As he made the victory lap in Durban this weekend, Benni McCarthy felt a strong sense of vindication about his decision to come back home.

The Cape-born told reporters that he, at last, feels both loved and respected in his native land: this is no longer the ‘home’ where people often questioned his love for his country nor his desire to play for the senior national side but a home that has embraced him as a football genius and assured him of his status as one of the best players to come out of the country in the present-day era.

“I don’t think I have ever been this popular in South Africa. To be honest, I don’t think it’s overwhelming,” – that was a confession from a man often seen as a rebel who has often led many into believing that people’s opinion about him didn’t matter. Maybe they didn’t matter then, but when he experienced the warmth, McCarthy probably felt a sense of belonging.

Even though he tried his best to clothe his statements in modesty, McCarthy couldn’t resist an opportunity to remind all listening about history.

“I think I’m the first South African to return home and win a championship at let alone at home,” a proud McCarthy reminded reporters as Orlando Pirates paraded their Absa Premiership trophy this weekend.

“When I signed, I had a word with the chairman (Irvin Khoza) and I knew I was joining a championship-winning team. Obviously at the start I didn’t understand how strong these boys in the camp were, but I saw that. They helped me along the way when the chips were down.”

Not only has he been a marvel to watch at Pirates, but he has been inspiration. His marriage with Buccaneers – highly doubted by the media at its initial stages – has yielded results for both himself and the Sea Robbers.

So often a man who polarised opinion in the public courts in the past because of his love-hate relationship with the media and Bafana Bafana, McCarthy has been able to rehabilitate his image in the country. Never before – bar time he returned from Burkina Faso having spearheaded Bafana’s journey to the finals against Egypt – has Beeni been this popular in South Africa.

Act of Brilliance

For Orlando Pirates, his presence has been both beneficial and profitable. At times when individual brilliance was required, he lifted his hand and took responsibility – both in league and Cup games.

When Pirates needed to beat Arrows – the talented Hanover Park man rose to the occasion. When Pirates were cornered by Swallows in the Telkom Knockout few months ago, Benni produced an act of brilliance. These are two moments that have cemented his legend in the Bucs camp.

This week, he could be forgiven for bragging. All has been forgiven – Benni is once again the darling of the Rainbow Nation.

This is a new Benni, he promised the South African media. This Benni cares about how South Africans feel about him. This Benni has brought tears of joy in the eyes of a certain group of people who now refer to themselves as the “Happy People.”