According to Kickoff.com, his brother Jerome said that the Blackburn Rovers striker left London for Johannesburg last night.

Due to his past record, there had been fears that McCarthy might fail to pitch for the Bafana camp that begins on Monday.

“Benni left England last night,” Jerome said. “I spoke to him before he left and he is very excited to be back in the squad. Hopefully he will justify his call-up by doing well for the country if given the opportunity to play in both friendly games.”

South African FA media officer Motlhomola Morake also confirmed that McCarthy was expected to land in the country.

Others expected to touch down at the OR Tambo International airport include Bafana skipper Aaron ‘Mbazo’ Mokoena, Bernard Parker, Rowen Fernandez, Kermit Erasmus and Daylon Claasen.

They are scheduled to undergo medical tests by Bafana’s new team doctor Ntlhopi Mogoro, who has replaced Ephraim Nematswerani, before starting practice at Rand Stadium.