McCarthy believes he can restore South Africa's scoring fortunes
Benni McCarthy has asked for a fresh start with World Cup hosts South Africa after ending his nine-month absence from the national team.
The striker, who turns 32 on Thursday, is set to play his first international since February when Bafana Bafana host Japan on Saturday.
Dropped by former coach Joel Santana for disciplinary reasons, the Blackburn man has been welcomed back into the fold by new boss Carlos Alberto Parreira.
"I want to start afresh and help Bafana do well in the World Cup finals," McCarthy told the local media in Johannesburg.
"It is every player's dream to play for his country at the World Cup."
McCarthy's international career has been turbulent in recent times, as notable for his absenteeism as his record tally of goals.
The controversial star has failed to honour numerous call-ups in the past, the latest coming in March as he sat out two friendlies through injury despite his club having passed him fit.
But he is in reconciliatory mood, even apologising to former South African FA vice-president Mohamed Mubarak, with whom he had a major fall-out after the 2006 Nations Cup.
"I have matured," claimed South Africa's all-time top scorer, with 31 goals.
I am still the best at what I do - and that is scoring goals
South Africa striker, Benni McCarthy
"In the past I was a loose cannon and I apologise if I was wrong."
In McCarthy's absence, South Africa have struggled to score goals - finding the net just nine times in the 14 games since he turned out in a 2-0 home defeat by Chile.
But confidence does not appear to be a problem for a man who won the 2004 Champions League with Porto.
"I am still the best at what I do - and that is scoring goals," he explained.
"I have the gift, unlike other players, that I only need one touch to score and I'll show the country I am still the best at what I do."
McCarthy actually scored in Parreira's last game in charge, when South Africa beat Paraguay 3-0 in March 2008, but the Brazilian quit shortly after to care for his ill wife.
Now she is better, Parreira is back at the helm but with only two friendlies left this year: Saturday's match with Japan, followed by Tuesday's clash with Jamaica.
On Saturday, Parreira's front pair could feature McCarthy alongside Katlego Mphela, who has been on fire in recent weeks.
The forward has netted 11 goals in his last 15 league matches, and is the only man to have scored for South Africa in nine games (scoring four).
"Everyone is happy Benni is back and it would be a great experience for me to play alongside him," the Mamelodi Sundowns man told BBC Sport.
"He's our all-time top scorer and with his experience, I hope we can manage goals."
"But we need a result first and foremost."
South Africa have lost eight of their last nine games, the reason behind Santana's departure in October.
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
Bookmark with:
What are these?