Benni McCarthy vs Lucas Radebe
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.
Lucas Radebe
South Africa · 1996–2002 · CB
- Almanac rating
- 87
- Rank in South Africa
- #2 of 33
- Caps
- 70 · 2 goals
- Clubs
- Kaizer Chiefs, Leeds United
- Honours
- Hall of Fame 2005
When Nelson Mandela came to Leeds in April 2001 to collect the freedom of the city, he stopped in front of Radebe, said "Ah, Mthimkhulu", then turned to the crowd and called him his hero. He won the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations, captained South Africa at the 1998 and 2002 World Cups over 70 caps, wore the Leeds armband for seven years, and took FIFA's Fair Play Award in 2000. Career record: 70 caps and 2 goals for South Africa; club career at Kaizer Chiefs, Leeds United; honours include Hall of Fame 2005.
The verdict
The almanac puts Benni McCarthy ahead by 1 rating point, 88 against 87.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.