Former Cape Town City coach Benni McCarthy has opened up about his links with Orlando Pirates last year.

McCarthy who was sacked by City in November last year has heaped Praise on current trainer Josef Zinnbauer for stabilizing the club.

The former Orlando Pirates striker has admitted that he nearly joined Pirates last year but he was never really approached officially.

“Yes, I was linked with Pirates [before they hired Josef Zinnbauer] but I never had a conversation with the chairman [Irvin Khoza],” McCarthy told Safja.

“Pirates made their decision and at this point in time that seems like it was a right decision. He [Zinnbauer] has done relatively well with Pirates.”

“The team is playing much better and it seems like he is getting the best out of a lot of players,” the former Sint-Truidense VV assistant coach added.

” I’m happy for Pirates – that they seem to have gotten back on track. So, I did not have a conversation with the chairman about taking the job or not taking the job.”

During his time at Cape Town City, McCarthy managed to win the 2018 MTN8 trophy.