‘I never saw it as helpful’: Chiefs DDC captain Aden McCarthy
Kaizer Chiefs DStv Diski Challenge captain Aden McCarthy has reflected on his dance in the recent two-legged CHAN qualifier against Egypt.
A makeshift Bafana Bafana, under the tutelage of Molefi Ntseki, beat Egypt 4-2 on aggregate to reach the final round of the qualifiers.
South Africa played a 1-1 draw in the first leg at home before beating the Pharaohs in Ismailia. They will face Malawi home and away in May for a place at the biennial tournament.
Initially scheduled for February, the 19-nation championship in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda was postponed to August after preparations fell behind schedule.
McCarthy, an Amakhosi DDC defender, started the second leg after being introduced as a sub in the first leg in Bloemfontein. The 21-year-old, who is knocking on the first team’s door, was impressive in both games.
“The call-up itself was very surprising. It was a good thing for me because it shows that I’m working hard no matter what’s happening,” McCarthy told FARPost. “Going into the team, I told myself I would be confident no matter what. I’m going to keep doing what I do. I will play my game and take from the coach what he wants regarding instructions and the game plan. And that’s what I did.”
MCCARTHY ON BEING COACHED BY MOLEFI NTSEKI
The son of former Chiefs defender Fabian McCarthy has previously featured in the youth national teams. He believes those experiences were vital for him.
“Regarding my performance, I feel like I gave my best. I was confident, and I wanted to be on the ball more… I just told myself I will be as physical as possible. But also being clever and intelligent in how I make every move and every pass. I wanted to eliminate lines of defence [with my passing].”
Asked whether being coached by Ntseki who knows him from his time at Chiefs, was helpful, he said: “I never really saw it as helpful.” He explained further: “Just as he knows me, he knows someone else from another team.”
The youngster’s attitude, he says, was to work hard and earn a start in the team. When Ntseki reverted to a three-man defence in Egypt, McCarthy slotted in at left centre-back. “I just lived in the moment, and I took every instruction that was given to us. It was actually nice getting to work with him again,” added the left-footed defender.
He is convinced CHAN is an excellent opportunity for local-based players. “Most of the guys in the team were not starters at their clubs. This tournament actually brings that opportunity, the thought that something is possible.”
Interestingly, after playing a blinder in the 3-1 win over Egypt, Neo Maema was back in the Mamelodi Sundowns team that played Orlando Pirates. McCarthy is also hoping to break into the Amakhosi first team.
“Any youngster would hope that [they can play senior team football]. But I just told myself I wouldn’t try anything out of the ordinary. I think of the things that I can control. So, at the moment, I know what I can control. And that’s just my performance and what I do daily.”
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