A teammate as a big hero. Image: Kick Off / Google
Orlando Pirates’ former skipper Lucky Lekgwathi has further revealed just how heroic Benni McCarthy was at the Soweto club among his teammates.
HOW BENNI MCCARTHY INSPIRED SENZO MEYIWA AT ORLANDO PIRATES
Speaking to Robert Marawa in the past week, Lekgwathi took a moment to recall how McCarthy, then the club’s brilliant striker, organised a special gift for Meyiwa from the Real Madrid iconic goalkeeper Iker Casillas.
“I went to Benni and said this boy [Meyiwa] is crazy about Casillas,” Lekgwathi said.
“He said don’t worry, I am going to get Casillas’s jersey. We were at camp, Benni called me and said he is the envelope from the great.
“I asked what’s in it, and he said ‘Casillas’ jersey. Because today is Senzo’s birthday, we are going to give him. Then we came to the room and he gave it to Senzo.
“Senzo was so excited, he slept with it and even wanted to play in Casillas’ jersey…”
R1 000 INCENTIVES FOR SENZO
The Ga-Rankuwa-born player further went on to reveal another inspirational piece. According to Lekhwathi, McCarthy would later ask Meyiwa to stay behind after Bucs training for extra sessions.
This was where the late goalkeeper would have opportunities to earn R1 000 for saving a penalty kick from McCarthy.
“They used to stay behind together. Benni used to practise penalties with Senzo. He would tell Senzo that he will take five penalties. He told Senzo that if he would save one, he would give him R1 000,” Lekgwathi added.
“The bar would save him, Benni would give him R1 000.
“It was a way to motivate him. After that, he became a good goalkeeper. I was not surprised to see him become the captain of Orlando Pirates and playing for Bafana Bafana.
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