Chastened, not shaken by Chippa: Daine Klate inspired by Benni McCarthy's rise to Man United job

Former Orlando Pirates, Bidvest Wits and SuperSport United winger Daine Klate said he was inspired by his ex-Bucs teammate Benni McCarthy, who has won plaudits as the Manchester United attack coach.

United coach Erik Ten Hag, revived striker Marcus Rashford, and Bruno Fernandes all hailed McCarthy’s impact since joining the Red Devils last year and his contribution to their stellar attacking form during the English Premier League and Europa League.

But McCarthy’s coaching career wasn’t always a bed of roses. He was fired at Cape Town City and AmaZulu, despite doing superbly as head coach of both.

READ | 'Emotions took control': Bafana coach Broos apologises for behaviour after AFCON draw with Liberia

He took City to two top-four league finishes between 2017 and 2019 and won the MTN8 in 2018 to become the trophy holder as both player and coach. McCarthy then led Usuthu to second place during 2020/21 and into the CAF Champions League.

Klate, meanwhile, was sacked months into his first head-coaching job at Chippa United earlier this season but said McCarthy showed the art of perseverance.

"He’s fantastic. We’ve got a good relationship still and I hope to visit him soon," Klate told News24 at his unveiling as a Nedbank Cup ambassador.

"He’s an inspiration. I’m happy for him. He fully deserves it and his work speaks volumes.

"When you’re doubted in one environment, there’s a next environment for you. I find solace in what happened to Benni.

"Cape Town City stopped believing in him, but he didn’t give up. He went to AmaZulu, who also stopped believing in him, but he didn’t give up.

"Today, Manchester United believes in him and the world believes in him. They’ve got massive global support and for him to do it at that level, you can’t