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THE LEGEND: Former Bafana Bafana striker Benni McCarthy on the attack against Nigeria at Ellis Park. Photo: Thembinkosi Dwayisa

 I'm still trying hard, to this day, not to be a diva, a prima donna, a drama queen. I'm not that person - Benni 

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And for the first time - on the Redi on Mzansi show - South African football's prodigal son, Benni McCarthy, defends his actions but apologises to the nation for his petulant behaviour during his time with Bafana Bafana.

At the height of his international career, McCarthy gained a reputation as a prima donna with an inflated ego, often needing a "stroking" from the national team coaches.

It became common knowledge that McCarthy played for Bafana on his own terms as the prime striker picked and chose matches.

"I can hold my hand up and apologise to the public because it's the public that says I had to give an explanation," McCarthy said. "The public are the ones that make or break a footballer and not the media, not a football club. It's the fans because when you gain popularity with the fans, nothing can go wrong.

"If you break that relationship, then no matter how good you are as a footballer, if your fans turn against you, everything goes wrong.

"I'm still trying hard, to this day, not to be a diva, a prima donna, a drama queen. I'm not that person. It's something the media has created."

He never demanded an apology from former Safa vice-president Mubarak Mohamed, whom McCarthy accused of making disparaging remarks.

McCarthy was accused of leading a Bafana protest for bonuses at the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Egypt.

And while the team needed his experience ahead of the 2009 Fifa Confederations Cup, the Bafana Bafana all-time leading goal-scorer refused to abandon his fatherly duties.

Instead, he chose to baby-sit.

In the gripping show, McCarthy, who is now playing club football at Orlando Pirates after spending more than a decade in Europe playing for Ajax Amsterdam and Blackburn Rovers among others - also opens up about the weight issue (rabbit food), the divorce, cars and the "devil with the tits" headlines.

McCarthy also talks about life-changing football experiences in a career spanning 16 years.

To see the full interview, watch Redi on Mzansi on DStv (Channel 107) tonight at 7.30pm.

Comments

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Wed Jun 19 03:17:14 SAST 2013 ::

Sep 1, 2011

KHOROMMBI

Up the Bucks!!!
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Sep 1, 2011

UMSELEUKUDLAKWAMASOKA

We are forgiving you blacksam, bullshit and never ever and ever again do that flappenhell anymore, last welcome back home !!!!!!!!!
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Sep 1, 2011

candilious

Benni jou vlag het geval its Steven Pienaar turn now you had your turn give others a chance toooo ,still digg you k. Oh and apology accepted
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Sep 1, 2011

Buka

too late, fat Pierat
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Sep 1, 2011

sakhomba

you have matured son, good for you. now lets go to Africa and get the second star on top of our cross bones and skull emblem..
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Sep 1, 2011

Lungu

Its too late for that just live your life and stop pretending, ga re sa go beile felo rena ba bangwe we made you and you thanked us with the f word so what's the fuss about you apologising.mnx
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Sep 1, 2011

MUTH

I remember during the world cup wen he says he does not like vuvuzelas and they should not be allowed in England, I wonder nw hw is he coping nw that he is in SA, Spoilt brat
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Sep 1, 2011

Shorts

@buka
Its too late for what, any apology need to be accepted if it comes from the depth of ones heart. Playing overseas migt have got into the man's mind but who aer we to judge the person, we need to give the man the chance, please Buka I dont think you are that innocent, we all make mistake; dont juts trample on the guy because he is a Pirate.
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Sep 1, 2011

Tshitunde

its only now that he thinks of cleaning up the image. We know this. No more bafana for you Benni. Enjoy the pirates support, not the bafana. There is enough talent as we speak, just watch the weekend game and see for yourself.
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Sep 1, 2011

KHOROMMBI

Orlando Pirates...
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