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Enough already about Benni, says Mosimane

TO THE RESCUE: Orlando Pirates striker Benni McCarthy celebrates after scoring the only goal of the match against Maritzburg United at Orlando Stadium yesterday. PHOTO: TLADI KHUELE/BOCHABELA PICTURES
TO THE RESCUE: Orlando Pirates striker Benni McCarthy celebrates after scoring the only goal of the match against Maritzburg United at Orlando Stadium yesterday. PHOTO: TLADI KHUELE/BOCHABELA PICTURES

PITSO Mosimane has insisted there is no place for Benni McCarthy in Bafana Bafana, despite the worsening goal-scoring crisis in his team.

Calls for the inclusion of McCarthy have grown louder as the Bafana coach battles to find a prolific forward to partner prime striker Katlego Mphela.

There were some positives that could be drawn from the goalless draw against Senegal at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Wednesday night, but fact is, none of the new recruits looked keen to grab their opportunities.

"Really guys, you're still on the same topic? We've answered this before, can we get past this (Benni McCarthy) question now," Mosimane responded when asked if he could consider bringing the Pirates hitman out of international retirement.

"We are building a team for the future and we need to give youngsters a chance. Yes, there is a problem as far as scoring is concerned, but we will turn the corner."

McCarthy's improved form and quality has been too much to ignore lately, as the veteran striker proves key to Orlando Pirates' ambitions this season. When asked three months ago if he would consider a recall to Bafana, McCarthy expressed his reluctance at a return to international football. Yet he acknowledged the fact that his experience could still prove useful to the youngsters, most of whom are still finding their feet on the bigger international stage.

"Time has passed for players like me, Sibusiso Zuma and Siyabonga Nomvethe. We've passed it now. Now is the time where we should look to the future," said McCarthy, who remains Bafana's all-time leading goalscorer with 32 goals.

Again Mosimane's players created good scoring chances, but weren't decisive enough to halt their eight-match winless streak as they played out a dull draw against the Teranga Lions at home.

Meanwhile, Mazola Molefe reports from Durban that Pitso Mosimane says Bafana Bafana's poor run of form is taking a heavy toll on his family. Bafana's winless streak has now stretched to eight games in a row after Wednesday's goalless draw.

The coach believes that getting a victory will not only release him from the clutches of depression, but will do the same for his children and the players. "These players respect the country and take the games with pride, but we are not good finishers of the chances we create," he said.

"It's become a test of character for me, my family, my kids and my players. We need a win."

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