Cape Town City are expected to announce the appointment of former Bafana Bafana legend Benni McCarthy as their new head coach, following former coach Eric Tinkler’s departure for SuperSport United.

The former Champions League-winning forward is understood to have jetted out to Cape Town to meet with Citizens owner, John Comitis, who has reportedly been meeting with candidates to fill up the vacancy left by Tinkler.

Among the candidates touted for the job are former Orlando Pirates mentor Ruud Krol. However, McCarthy has been widely tipped to take up the reins having recently secured his UEFA A coaching license, which will enable him to complete his UEFA Pro License, and thus eligible to coach anywhere across the globe.

Comitis released a statement upon the departure of Tinkler, which further fuelled speculation linking the all-time Bafana Bafana top goalscorer to his first first role as head coach with the Mother City outfit.

‘The new coach will be of the same mind (as Tinkler) in terms of the type of players we have purchased and the way Cape Town City wants to play,’ the statement said.

‘The coach we select will pick up the momentum we have created. With the homework I have done‚ I believe I have possibly found a gem,’ Comitis said.

City’s recently acquired the high-profile signing of Ayanda Patosi from Belgian side Lokeren, who competed in the same league as Sint-Truiden VV, the team where McCarthy served as assistant coach during his first coaching stint in Europe.

The 39-year-old is expected to be unveiled by Cape Town City within the coming week.