Kaizer Chiefs defender Aden McCarthy remains grounded after a standout start to the 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign, insisting that individual praise won’t distract him from the club’s collective ambitions.
The 21-year-old defender earned consecutive Man of the Match honours in Amakhosi’s opening fixtures against Stellenbosch and Polokwane City, but says his focus is firmly on helping the team deliver consistent results throughout the season.
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That being said, a hamstring injury in the 35th minute of the victory against Richards Bay has kept the youngster on the sidelines for the last two matches.
The Kaizer Chiefs Youth Development Academy product opened up about his step up to the senior side and his approach to the 2025/26 campaign.
“Honestly the Netherlands pre-season tour was amazing,” said McCarthy to reporters.
“It brought out a different side of us, mentality, the spirit amongst the guys and I feel like we have gelled more, and it has shown in the start of our journey this season.”
The Soweto giants will be boosted by McCarthy’s early return to training as they prepare for a packed fixture list following the international break.
“I believe in myself, and it just shows that the coaches believe in me too, I am happy to achieve the awards (Man of the Match), but I will never let it get to my head,” added the defender.
“We want to take it game by game, the season is long, we still have CAF (Confederation Cup), Nedbank, Black Label (Carling Knockout) and all these other games that needs to be played. The objective is to take things game by game.”
McCarthy’s return will give head coach Nasreddine Nabi and his technical team a selection headache ahead of the top of the table clash against Sekhukhune United, with the Chiefs defence yet to concede a goal this season.
Next on the fixture list, Kaizer Chiefs face off against Sekhukhune United in the Betway Premiership. The top of the table showdown is scheduled for Tuesday, 16 September 2025, with kick-off set for 19h30 at the FNB Stadium.