FORMER Bafana Bafana captain Lucas Radebe has lambasted the national team's recent dismal display and once again called for Benni McCarthy to be recalled to the national team.

Speaking to pupils at Silethukukhanya High School in Mtubatuba, northern Zululand yesterday, Radebe said McCarthy has the gumption to solve Bafana's goal drought.

"We have not been scoring goals and we really need a player of Benni's ilk to help us to get the goals," said Radebe.

"The way we have been playing leaves much to be desired and we can't win matches if we don't score goals. It's a great concern for us.

"There's no two ways about it. If we can't have him, then we should get a prolific striker to plug the void left by Benni. We need to decide on Benni's future at Bafana Bafana as a matter of urgency."

But Radebe stressed that McCarthy should change his attitude for the sake of the national squad.

Though coach Joel Santana's undoing with Bafana is his defensive approach, Radebe said the team should be defensively disciplined.

"Our problem with the national team is not only about scoring goals, but also with defence. There's no point in scoring goals if we are unable to prevent our opponents from scoring.

"I hope that former Bafana players will be given a chance to make a meaningful contribution to the success of our national team. We have them in numbers out there and ready to assist our national team."