News24.com | AmaZulu not Champions League bystanders insists Benni: ‘Our intention is to go far’

Benni McCarthy and Sphelele Mthembu (Gallo Images)

AmaZulu FC coach Benni McCarthy feels his side will surprise many in this season’s CAF Champions League after their victory over Guinean side Horoya AC at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday.

Usuthu won 1-0 thanks to a goal by Luvuyo Memela to hand AmaZulu their first win in the continental competition.

McCarthy said he was very pleased with the way his side conducted themselves by dominating Horoya in most departments to achieve their fine win.

“I want to congratulate my players for the splendid performance,” said McCarthy.

“If you’re a football lover and you don’t like what AmaZulu did, then you must change and watch the winter Olympics. My team was really good, very disciplined, very organised. We didn’t give away much. Pity we didn’t score more than the one goal,” said McCarthy.

As things now stand in Group B, top of the standings is Raja Casablanca on six points from two games followed by AmaZulu with three points after two games then ES Setif also on three points while bottom is Horoya sitting with zero points.

McCarthy fees that his side must use the fact that they are tagged as the underdog and make that count in their favour by taking the CAF Champions League by storm.

“We stake our claim; we’re not just AmaZulu who’s a novice in this competition; we are not here to form the numbers. Our intention is to go far.

“Yes, we know it is extremely difficult, most people won’t give us a chance or opportunity, but I think we have as good of a chance of getting through stages and surprising a lot of people. There’s still a lot of growth in this team,” said McCarthy.

AmaZulu return to Premiership action on Tuesday against relegation-threatened TS Galaxy (19:30) before taking on ES Setif on Friday (18:00) as their African journey continues.