Aaron Mokoena vs Benni McCarthy
South Africa against South Africa. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Aaron Mokoena
South Africa · 1999–2010 · CB
- Almanac rating
- 82
- Rank in South Africa
- #9 of 33
- Caps
- 107 · 1 goals
- Clubs
- K.R.C. Genk, Blackburn Rovers, Portsmouth
Mbazo, the Axe, led the host nation out at Soccer City on 11 June 2010 and played the full ninety minutes of the 1-1 draw with Mexico that opened the World Cup. He finished with 107 caps, more than any other South African, having debuted in 1999 within months of turning eighteen, and he captained Bafana at the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2009 Confederations Cup before losing the FA Cup final with Portsmouth in 2010. Career record: 107 caps and 1 goals for South Africa; club career at K.R.C. Genk, Blackburn Rovers, Portsmouth.
Benni McCarthy
South Africa · 1998–2004 · ST
- Almanac rating
- 88
- Rank in South Africa
- #1 of 33
- Caps
- 79 · 31 goals
- Clubs
- Cape Town Spurs, RC Celta de Vigo, Blackburn Rovers
Bobo-Dioulasso, 16 February 1998: McCarthy scored in the 8th, 11th, 19th and 21st minutes against Namibia, four goals before the half hour at the Africa Cup of Nations. He left Burkina Faso as top scorer and player of the tournament, then became the only South African to win the Champions League, with Porto in 2004, adding two Portuguese titles, the 2003/04 Golden Boot, an Eredivisie title at Ajax and a national record of 31 goals. Career record: 79 caps and 31 goals for South Africa; club career at Cape Town Spurs, RC Celta de Vigo, Blackburn Rovers.
The verdict
The almanac puts Benni McCarthy ahead by 6 rating points, 88 against 82.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.