Benni rues loss of Tokelo Rantie
The legendary Bafana Bafana striker shared a dressing-room with Rantie when the duo were part of the attacking arsenal at Orlando Pirates some years ago.
Tokelo Rantie. Photo: Kabiru Abubakar/Gallo Images.
Benni McCarthy could not hide his disappointment about Tokelo Rantie’s failed stint at Cape Town City, as the well-travelled striker had to quit City before his career could get off the ground.
Rantie joined City in August last year but left before kicking a ball for City beyond the training pitch. His exit was said to because of off-the-field issues surrounding Rantie’s personal life.
“I am very disappointed that we weren’t able to turn his life around. For me it is always to bring out the best in these players. If they are willing to work and willing to learn and to excel … they can get an opportunity to go back to Europe and in the national team,” said McCarthy.
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The legendary Bafana Bafana striker shared a dressing-room with Rantie when the duo were part of the attacking arsenal at Orlando Pirates some years ago.
“I have a personal relationship with “TK”,” said McCarthy
“He is my ex-team-mate at Pirates and I have a soft spot for him. He was the perfect player to light this league up.”
“Unfortunately for us, we weren’t able to overturn what was going on behind closed doors in Rantie’s lifestyle and personal life. Football only wasn’t enough for him. I think he needed much more than that to save him. It is sad to see such a talented young player being robbed off an opportunity to excel and play one of the best sports. He is one of the best talents the country has.”
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