Kaizer Chiefs’ 21-year-old left central defender Aden McCarthy has quickly made waves in the Betway Premiership, and the legendary Khumalo says he is destined to don the green and gold of Bafana Bafana.
McCarthy’s early-season impact resulted in two Man of the Match awards while helping Kaizer Chiefs maintain a perfect defensive record.
In McCarthy, the Kaizer Chiefs legend has spotted composure, confidence, and yes, that touch of arrogance that top defenders often carry.
KAIZER CHIEFS ADEN MCCARTHY KNOCKING ON BAFANA BAFANA’S DOOR
With Mduduzi Shabalala and Thabiso Monyane representing Kaizer Chiefs in the national side, Khumalo feels McCarthy’s injury was ill-timed.
“What a composed player, stability, confidence and he’s very arrogant,” Khumalo said on the DNA Podcast. “But the problem the last game they played now he got out with a little bit of a hamstring problem.
“So maybe that’s another reason why the coach [Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos] didn’t call him up, but like you are saying, from 2026 going forward we are good,” the Kaizer Chiefs legend concluded.
Full list of central defenders at Amakhosi
- Inacio Miguel
- Aden McCarthy
- Zitha Kwinika
- Rushwin Dortley
- Given Msimango
- Bradley Cross (primarily a left-back).
GEORGE MATLOU STAYING WITH KAIZER CHIEFS
Kaizer Chiefs midfielder George Matlou will not be changing his kit colours, at least not yet.
His management agency, Mscsports Talent Management Division, has confirmed the 27-year-old has extended his deal until the end of the 2025/26 campaign.
The Soweto-born Matlou joined Amakhosi in 2022 from the now-defunct Moroka Swallows and has since made over 40 appearances, chipping in with three assists.
The midfielder’s journey as a Glamour Boy hasn’t been smooth. Injuries slowed him down, but when it mattered most last season, he came alive, setting up Ashley Du Preez in the Nedbank Cup semi-final against Mamelodi Sundowns. That assist sealed a 2-1 win and opened the door for Kaizer Chiefs to end a decade-long trophy drought.
“George Matlou commits to the journey! The midfielder extends his stay with the Amakhosi,” said Mscsports Talent Management Division in a statement.
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