Football greatness runs in the family: Fabian McCarthy proud of son Aden’s rise at Kaizer Chiefs
Like father, like son Aden McCarthy has won two man-of-the-match awards in his first to games for the Kaizer Chiefs first team. Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Image: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
With commanding performances in the heart of defence, 21-year-old Aden McCarthy is quickly proving that football greatness runs in the family.
And Kaizer Chiefs legend Fabian McCarthy wants his son to surpass his achievements on the field and have a better career than he did.
The 21-year-old Aden has had a brilliant start to life in the Amakhosi first team since captaining their junior side to the DStv Diski Challenge last season. In his first two senior games – both won by Chiefs – Aden has picked up the man-of-the-match award.
McCarthy senior, who spent five years in the famous black-and-gold Chiefs jersey in the early 2000s, was proud of his son’s early achievements.
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Speaking to Robert Marawa on MSW ahead of Wednesday’s game against Polokwane, McCarthy senior said: "I think he just gave a good performance, he did well. I didn't expect the man-of-the-match performance. Clean sheet, that's all I said. 'Keep it tight, make sure you don't let them go past you.'
"He has to do better than his father. Remember we're here, our fathers set the tone for us to go higher than them, so now we're setting it on for them to go to the highest level,” said McCarthy senior, who won 10 caps for Bafana Bafana and also turned out for the likes of Bloemfontein Celtic and Mamelodi Sundowns in a 14-year career.
"Very humbled, very proud, very priceless moments that one just has to embrace and say 'Thank you, Lord, for giving me such a kid and for keeping him in a safe place.' I said, 'Congratulations, you need to double up now'," he added.
Thanks to the young McCarthy’s performances in the heart of defence, Amakhosi currently find themselves second in the league after two wins from two games.
Chiefs will be back on the field next Tuesday when they host Richards Bay and will be hoping for another inspired performance from the young academy graduate and son of a club legend.
IOL Sport