CHAN 2024: Benni McCarthy in Tears While Discussing Tragic Death of Former Teammate
- Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy was visibly sad when speaking about the death of his former teammate Jorge Costa
- The defender died aged 53 after suffering a cardiac arrest at Porto's training centre on Tuesday, August 5
- Jose Mourinho, Deco, Pepe, and other footballers have paid tribute to the defender who won the Champions League in 2004
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Harambee Stars boss Benni McCarthy was reduced to tears while discussing the death of his former Porto teammate Jorge Costa, who tragically died on Tuesday following a cardiac arrest.
Source: Getty Images
McCarthy was speaking at a press conference ahead of Kenya's second CHAN 2024 clash against Angola. His team registered their first win on Sunday against DR Congo, and they are hoping for a win on Thursday.
Why was Benni McCarthy overcome with emotion?
The South African, Jose Mourinho, and his former Porto teammates are mourning the death of Costa, who died at the age of 53 at the club's training centre.
Costa was the club's director of football before his tragic death. He becomes the third former Porto player to lose his life in just one month, following the passing of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva.
Source: Getty Images
What did Benni McCarthy say about Jorge Costa?
Speaking at the press conference, McCarthy was visibly shaken and moved to tears as he remembered Costa.
"I hope they [Costa's family] get the support that they need because he leaves behind a wife and kids, so my condolences to his family," he said.
"Those who are in the group exchanged stories about Jorge.
"He was an older brother, our leader. When things didn't go the way we wanted, he was the one who stood up for everyone. The facet that we won't get the opportunity to say the last goodbye makes it even more sad.
"The biggest thing we can take from all this sadness is the incredible moments that we enjoyed together. He looked after me a lot, so I have a lot of respect and admiration."
What next for Benni McCarthy and Harambee Stars?
McCarthy will be on the touchline on Thursday at Kasarani Stadium when Harambee Stars face Angola in their second Group A match at CHAN 2024.
Kenya defeated DR Congo 1-0 in their opening match, thanks to Austin Odhiambo's well-taken goal.
“Angola isn’t going to get any easier. The hardest hurdle for us is over, which is getting our first win in the first game of the tournament, and now the boys can relax a bit and prepare for Angola," McCarthy said after the match.
Kenya will also face Morocco and Zambia in Group A.
Man United players congratulate Benni McCarthy
In a related report, Manchester United players congratulated Benni McCarthy after Kenya's victory over DR Congo.
It was McCarthy's first competitive win as Kenya's boss following his appointment in March.
The Bafana Bafana legend was a coach at Man United for two years and won two trophies.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Martin Moses (Sports editor) Martin Moses is a journalist from the Multimedia University of Kenya (2021). He has practised sports journalism for over five years. He launched his career in media at MMU radio (February 2018-June 2021). Martin also interviewed distinguished sports personalities while at Sports 360 (2020-2022). He joined Sports Brief in April 2022 before transitioning to TUKO.co.ke where he is now the Head of the Sports Desk You can reach out at martin.moses@sportsbrief.com
Edwin Kiplagat (Sports Editor) Edwin Kiplagat has 8 years of experience in journalism and is currently a sports editor at Tuko. He has written sports stories from across the African continent while at Africa InSight, ESPN, Editec, and Sports Brief. Edwin obtained a degree in Journalism from Multimedia University in 2016. Email: edwin.kiplagat@sportsbrief.com.
