Benni McCarthy: Harambee Stars Coach Praised by Man United Legend as South Africa's Missing Standard

Manchester United legend Dwight Yorke believes South Africa must produce more top-tier talent like Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy if Bafana Bafana hope to make a significant impact on the world stage.

The Trinidad and Tobago head coach, a treble-winner with the Red Devils, shared his assessment of South African football following the team's exit from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and as they look ahead to the FIFA World Cup.

The 54-year-old former striker was not surprised by Bafana Bafana's Round of 16 elimination at the hands of Cameroon, suggesting the team lacks the high-profile players necessary to compete at the highest level.

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"South Africa have been a hit and miss for a number of years," Yorke told PokerScout. "They've only qualified for the World Cup this year, having missed out on appearing in the tournament since they were hosts in 2010."

He pointed to the current squad's composition as a key factor, noting a lack of players with experience in Europe's top leagues.

"They've gone through a transitional period. Most of the players are playing in South Africa, but they haven't got the big names, like Benni McCarthy, who was in the Premier League," Yorke explained.

"They haven't got that experience, so it doesn't come as a surprise that they are outsiders for the World Cup."

Despite the criticism, Yorke acknowledged the team's progress in returning to major tournaments and expressed that a country with South Africa's domestic league strength should be achieving more.

"They're just finding their way back into international football; they're getting a little bit more recognition," he said.

"They will be in the World Cup, which is great for them. It's a country that I think should be doing far better than what they have because of their league and the competitiveness within that league."