Kaizer Chiefs defender Aden McCarthy has opened up about the experience he believes “made him a man” before cementing his place in the club’s first team.
The 22-year-old has been one of Amakhosi’s standout performers this season, making 30 appearances across all competitions, including 22 league starts in the Betway Premiership.
The former Chiefs DStv Diski Challenge captain made his senior debut last season and has not looked back since. He also earned a start under former Amakhosi coach Nasreddine Nabi, who is understood to rate the young defender highly.
Speaking ahead of Chiefs’ weekend Premiership clash against Chippa United, McCarthy reflected on a period that had a major impact on both his career and personal growth.
The son of Chiefs legend Fabian McCarthy spent almost six weeks on trial in Moldova earlier this year, training with Sheriff Tiraspol.
The Moldovan club reportedly assessed the South African youth international positively and were impressed by his qualities. However, despite their strong interest in signing him, Sheriff Tiraspol ultimately opted to pursue a more experienced centre-back instead.
HOW MOLDOVA EXPERIENCE IMPACTED ADEN MCCARTHY’S CAREER
“I was five and a half weeks in Moldova on trial and almost two months to be exact,” he responded when asked by FARPost. “I would say that the experience made me a man to survive in this sport, in this industry.”
He added that the experience had also shown him how to conduct himself as a professional. “It showed me how to become a professional, how to control what I can and just do what I want to do for my people, you know, my family, and for myself, for my career.”
While many would feel McCarthy has done enough to have a look-in for the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad under Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, the young defender is not taking it to heart. Broos is expected to name his final squad next week ahead of next month’s World Cup in Mexico, the USA2 and Canada.
“I’m controlling what I can… It’s up to the national team coach, and any decision will be respected,” he said.
ADEN MCCARTHY ON FACING CHIPPA UNITED
Despite having secured third place, McCarthy insists they will not be doing any favours for struggling Chippa United. The Soweto giants welcome the Chilli Boys to Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
Chippa desperately need points, but they are currently one point away from the relegation playoffs. Marumo Gallants and Orbit College are tied on 24 points and are still fighting for survival. Chippa have changed coaches with Brandon Truter replacing Vusumuzi Vilakazi, who recently left the club.
“It’ll be a difficult game and situation that we find ourselves in, but we are not in the business of doing favours for anyone,” McCarthy said.
“We know from the previous teams he [Truter] has coached that he plays a certain way, but we don’t know how he will approach this game with Chippa.”
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