Following a triumphant start to the new 2025/26 season, Kaizer Chiefs’ young centre-back Aden McCarthy has dedicated his Man of the Match award to the club’s head coach, Nasreddine Nabi.
McCarthy put in a stellar defensive performance, making crucial interceptions, blocks, and clearances as Amakhosi secured a 2-0 victory over a 10-man Stellenbosch FC in the Betway Premiership. The thrilling match took place at a packed Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on Sunday evening.
The brilliant display by McCarthy was not witnessed by coach Nabi, who had to urgently travel to Tunisia on Friday for a family emergency after a critical accident involving his wife at home. The club stated that Nabi will return to South Africa once the situation has stabilised.
In his absence, first assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef and second assistant coach Cedric Kaze took charge. Nkosingiphile Ngcobo’s stunning free kick and Glody Makabi Lilepo’s penalty sealed the win, ensuring the Glamour Boys walked away with all three points.
CHIEFS’ MCCARTHY DEDICATES AWARD TO COACH NABI AMIDST FAMILY EMERGENCY
“Honestly, I don’t have any words. I don’t think I have a voice right now, but all glory to God,” said McCarthy in his post-match interview on SuperSport TV.
The 21-year-old, who previously captained the Chiefs DDC team, also dedicated his Man of the Match performance—only his second start for the senior squad—to his father, Fabian McCarthy. The latter is a Chiefs legend who also played as a centre-back.
“This one is for my family, my mother, my father [Fabian] and my brother, but also most importantly for coach Nabi, he couldn’t be here with us today,” he added. “We’ve had a long process, a long journey since pre-season, but we’ve overcome the mental game, so now it’s just a show on the field, and today you saw it.”
When asked about the pride he feels in following his father’s footsteps, Aden McCarthy responded, “I think it’s all about God’s timing. I’ve been with the first team for a while, but God knew the right moment for me to step up was now. My father is proud, and I am too, but only God knows how hard I’ve worked for this opportunity.”
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