Benni McCarthy vs Itumeleng Khune
South Africa against South Africa. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
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.
Itumeleng Khune
South Africa · 2009–15 · GK
- Almanac rating
- 83
- Rank in South Africa
- #5 of 33
- Clubs
- Kaizer Chiefs
A scorpion kick clearance on 28 October 2015 is the save Chiefs supporters replay, though the one that travelled further was the David Villa penalty he beat away at the 2009 Confederations Cup. Voted PSL Footballer of the Season in 2012/13, a rare thing for a goalkeeper, he added three Goalkeeper of the Season awards, league titles in 2013 and 2015, domestic cups with Kaizer Chiefs, and more than 90 caps, more than any South African goalkeeper. Career record: club career at Kaizer Chiefs.
The verdict
The almanac puts Benni McCarthy ahead by 5 rating points, 88 against 83.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.