'Benni was not my favourite player at Orlando Pirates...Ruben Cloete was'

‘Benni was not my favourite player at Orlando Pirates…Ruben Cloete was’

Former Orlando Pirates striker Tokelo Rantie formed a formidable partnership with Benni McCarthy during the 2011/12 season.

Former Orlando Pirates defender Ruben Cloete. Image: BackpagePix

Former Bafana Bafana striker Tokelo Rantie has revealed that Benni McCarthy was not his favorite player during his time at Orlando Pirates.

The 34-year-old former footballer had a close relationship with the ex-AmaZulu and Cape Town City coach while they played together at Pirates. During the 2011/12 season, both players combined to score 17 league goals, helping the Buccaneers secure their second consecutive treble.

Rantie says Benni was his mentor at Orlando Pirates

Speaking on the Trap and Pass podcast, Rantie reflected on his time at Orlando Pirates, even though it lasted just one season.

“I earned over 40 caps with the national team because of Orlando Pirates. I was playing alongside some of the best players in the country. Just imagine being that age and playing for Orlando Pirates; it was a huge opportunity. They had just come off winning the treble,” he said.

“There was a lot of pressure as I was surrounded by big names, and I also had my favorites.”

When asked who his favorite player at Orlando Pirates was, Rantie clarified that Benni was not the one most people expected.

“To be honest, Benni McCarthy was not my favorite player; he was my mentor, my guardian angel. My favorite player was Ruben Cloete,” he stated.

“Benni was my mentor. Everything I learned as a forward came from him. But Ruben Cloete… that guy used to sit with me outside and educate me about certain defenders,” Rantie added.

The former Orlando Pirates star later reunited with Benni McCarthy at Cape Town City, but their reunion was short-lived as Rantie’s contract was terminated shortly thereafter.