Kaizer Chiefs defender Inacio Miguel has highlighted the key qualities that set Aden McCarthy apart from other Premier Soccer League [PSL] youngsters following the centre-back’s move to Azerbaijani outfit Sabah FK.
Speaking during a media briefing at the Kaizer Chiefs Village in Naturena on Thursday, the Angolan international heaped praise on McCarthy as the club prepares for a blockbuster Betway Premiership fixture against Mamelodi Sundowns.
Chiefs host Masandawana at the FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon [15:00], with both sides eager to secure crucial points early in the campaign. The Glamour Boys enter the clash in high spirits after winning their opening two league matches against Kruger United and Sekhukhune United. Sundowns, meanwhile, have played just one league match so far, securing a victory over TS Galaxy.
INACIO MIGUEL ON ADEN MCCARTHY’S MINDSET AND EUROPEAN MOVE
Addressing the media ahead of the highly anticipated encounter, Miguel took a moment to commend McCarthy’s attitude and work ethic. He pointed out that the Chiefs academy graduate stands out for his willingness to listen and learn—contrasting him with many young PSL players who make high demands before accomplishing anything significant in the game.
The 20-year-old defender officially completed his transfer to Sabah FK in June ahead of the new season. This follows his time at Naturena, where he earned promotion to the senior squad before taking the leap to Europe.
“He’s a special boy. I feel like Aden should be an example to a lot of young players not only at Kaizer Chiefs but in South Africa,” Miguel said. “He’s someone who is very smart; he listens a lot, and I feel like nowadays this young generation comes with a lot of demands, but they have not achieved anything.
“So Aden was humble enough to understand that I arrived in the first team and what’s the next move now, what I should and shouldn’t do. It’s very important to understand the timing of things; it’s not only God’s timing, but it’s also your timing.
“Aden was a very hard worker, and that’s why he’s at Sabah. He’s clear-minded that Kaizer Chiefs is not enough. My advice for the young players coming to Chiefs in the future: they cannot just be comfortable just to arrive in the Kaizer Chiefs first team. They must have the willingness to go to the next stage.
“Aden has a good background, and I’m not saying our kids don’t have a good background, but I know Fabian [McCarthy] was very important in Aden’s progress as I chat with him a lot of times.”
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