Kaizer Chiefs defender Aden McCarthy has thrown his weight behind Amakhosi’s Betway Premiership title charge, insisting the Glamour Boys are firmly in the race and fully capable of going all the way this season.
After several difficult campaigns, Chiefs find themselves back in unfamiliar but welcome territory – competing toe-to-toe with the league’s heavyweights for top honours.
They currently sit in the title conversation alongside bitter rivals Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, and McCarthy believes the squad has both the quality and mentality to mount a serious challenge.
Amakhosi have collected 27 points from 15 matches, leaving them just five points adrift of log leaders Sundowns, who have played a game more. Victory against Marumo Gallants this evening at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium would see Chiefs close the gap and keep the pressure firmly on the Brazilians.
“The race is on,” McCarthy told the club’s media department. “We want that league title, and it’s very possible. We just need to work hard and keep pushing towards that as our main goal.”
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The 22-year-old, son of Chiefs legend Fabian McCarthy, is under no illusions about the task at hand, expecting a stern test against a Gallants side known for their unpredictability and resilience.
“We know Marumo are a quality team. They can bring anything on the day,” he said. “But we’re going to go out there, guns blazing, and focus on doing the job.”
McCarthy comes into the match high on confidence after scoring what proved to be the decisive goal in Chiefs’ last league outing against Golden Arrows. Although the finish came from an offside position, it marked his first goal in the famous gold and black jersey – a milestone moment in his young career.
“Scoring my first goal for the club was definitely one to remember,” he added. “I also found out that my father scored his first Chiefs goal against Arrows, so that made it even more special. It’s one for the history books, and I’m really looking forward to scoring many more.”