Leal takes credit for McCarthy winner

Orlando Pirates coach Julio Leal praised Benni McCarthy after he netted the winning goal off the bench against Maritzburg United on Sunday.

With the Premier Soccer League match seemingly destined to end in a goalless draw, the home supporters at Orlando Stadium called for McCarthy to be introduced.

McCarthy was introduced in the 71st minute, and four minutes later netted a wonderful overhead kick to gave his side victory.

But Leal insists he had planned to introduce McCarthy prior to the fans shouting for his inclusion.

“I know quite well the behaviour of South African supporters and Orlando Pirates supporters and I respect them very much,” Leal said, according to Kickoff.com.

“I changed one in the beginning, I could have done two immediately, but I preferred to use Tukelo (Rantjie) and to bring on Benni later.”

“But the fans were in a hurry and wanted him on; I put him on at the right time, and not because they shouted his name.”

“I felt it was time, but they were right and I was right for sure.”

“I didn’t do the change because they wanted him. It was what I prepared and he did well by scoring a beautiful goal that gave us three points.”

Leal was pleased to see his side cut the gap between them and league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns to just three points.

“We started very well and got an early opportunity but unfortunately Mabena missed it,” he said.

“These three points are very important to us; we have now cut the gap down from the teams which were ahead of us.”