Aden McCarthy, son of former Kaizer Chiefs defender Fabian McCarthy, is part of the club’s pre-season for the first time in his career.
The 19-year-old has been one of the main pillar in Chiefs’ DStv Diski Challenge squad, helping Vela Khumalo’s side to lift the Diski Shield last year.
He was named on the bench of the senior team for the first time in a 2-0 win over Sekhukhune United in December 2021, when the club was stuck with a COVID-19 crisis.
The former Amakhosi ball boy, who was also part of the SA U20 squad in October, has been called up by Molefi Ntseki to be part of the club’s pre-season camp in Mpumalanga.
“It’s my first with the senior team, it’s an unbelievable feeling,” he told the club’s media team.
“We’ve had like three training sessions so far, being here for the week. Other than that, the guys have been enjoying it.
“You can’t achieve it alone, or in a small group, you have to do it together as one. So this pre-season camp we’ve been learning how to become unified as one group in order to take on challenges together.”
The McCarthy name is not unknown at Naturena with his father Fabian playing five years at Chiefs between 2003 and 2008 after joining from Mamelodi Sundowns.
Chiefs have bolstered their squad with the signings of Mdu Mdantsane, Edson Castilo, Given Msimango, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, Ranga Chivaviro, Pule Mmodi and Tebogo Potsane — and McCarthy believes the new players are gelling in well.
“With the new coach, as well as new players are stepping in and it hasn’t been difficult for them,” he added.
“They have fitted in quite well and we have welcomed them with open arms. It is no space where people feel left out, everyone has gathered together to make them feel welcome and they have fitted in to the club.”
Chiefs kick off their 2023/24 campaign with a home fixture against Chippa United on 5 August.
