AmaZulu's Benni McCarthy has praised his technical staff and players after receiving the 2020/21 DStv Premiership Coach of the Season award on Sunday.
The former Bafana Bafana striker was competing against Golden Arrows' Mandla Ncikazi and Mamelodi Sundowns co-coaches Manqoba Mngqithi and Rhulani Mokwena.
But McCarthy remarkably turned around the fortunes of Usuthu in under six months as the KwaZulu-Natal outfit was lagging on the edge of the relegation zone when he arrived mid-December last year.
While Sundowns were crowned champions, AmaZulu ended as runners-up, securing a CAF Champions League spot for next season.
"I just would like to say thank you very much for voting for me and for having me [win] the coach of the season award," McCarthy said via an AmaZulu media release.
"I couldn't have done it without my technical team, my amazing technical team, their work ethic, their loyalty has given me the freedom to work to the best of my ability.
"As a team we were able to get over the line and make sure the team qualifies in second position for the CAF Champions League, so I am grateful for these guys.
"But most importantly, the guys who should be taking all the credit must be the players.
"The players have been fantastic since I walked through the door, they have given me everything and more and they were able to have the best season, a historical season for AmaZulu.
"I am thankful for their hard work, their determination, their sacrifices and their willingness to learn to improve and be better."