Aden McCarthy is finally having his breakthrough season at Kazier Chiefs and his famous father could not be prouder, writes Mazola Molefe.
Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Fabian McCarthy has revealed that his son, Aden, had several options to avoid the spotlight and step out of his father’s shadow, but ultimately chose to join AmaKhosi.
“It was his decision. I had little to do with that and I just wish and hope that everybody else – when their kids are in a setup – don’t get too involved. Don’t make decisions for your child,” McCarthy told SoccerClub.
“Don’t put your child in a place where you want him to be. That [going to Chiefs] was Aden’s choice. He had an invitation from Sundowns when he was much younger, and Pirates also showed interest after seeing him in schools’ football.”
The 21-year-old’s patience was tested at Chiefs, especially under coaches Stuart Baxter and Arthur Zwane, who were in charge when he was first promoted to the senior team.
It was only at the start of this season that Aden established himself in the starting line-up, aided in part by Rushwin Dortley’s long-term injury, which opened the door for him at left centre-back.
It is an almost unspoken truth that academy graduates must work twice as hard to break through, let alone secure a regular spot – a fact that makes McCarthy senior, who also represented Sundowns and Bafana Bafana in his playing days, particularly proud.
“There are some players who’ve since left Chiefs who started there with Aden. Some are still playing here and there, but when you look at it you can say, ‘it was worth it to stay where you are,’ because you don’t know what’s happening on the other side,” he explained.
With Chiefs juggling multiple competitions in their pursuit of silverware and a Premiership title challenge, McCarthy enior highlighted that Aden is now considered part of the club’s core group.
For a 21-year-old to force his way into the mix after Chiefs once again bolstered their squad with new signings is no small achievement.
“I think it’s just a matter of patience. The team is trying to get back – Chiefs have been buying for the past five seasons and it’s not easy for development players to break into any team in the world,” McCarthy said.
“Obviously, injuries are part of the game. But if you get the opportunity when senior guys are unavailable, you have to perform.”
As for the pressure of living up to his father’s name – a seasoned South African international who played for two of the PSL’s big three over more than a decade – McCarthy believes Aden is taking it in stride.
“I think he only really watched me towards the end of my career, but he’s seen videos, especially of the Olympic team where we beat Brazil. I recently gave him my [Bloemfontein] Celtic shirt and said, ‘Look, it’s up to you now. But remember, it’s mine – I’m still waiting for yours.’ I think he’s in a good space,” McCarthy concluded.
