Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Fabian McCarthy says his son Aden is ready to make the step up to the first team after a stellar season for the club’s DStv Diski Challenge side.
The 21-year-old McCarthy, a central defender like his father, played a key role as Kaizer Chiefs’ youngsters won the DDC title comfortably. His form for his club also saw him included in the Bafana Bafana B side as they qualified for the African Nations Championships (CHAN).
His impressive form for club and country is the reason his father now believes the youngster can make the step up to Nasreddine Nabi’s first team.
However, McCarthy acknowledged that because of Chiefs’ struggles over the last season, it was difficult for the coach to give opportunities to young players like Orlando Pirates have done over the last two seasons.
“I think it’s different dynamics in different clubs. Pirates is on a good run and the coach can take that chance to say ‘let me throw [Mbekezeli] Mbokazi in there with the two or three other players,” McCarthy said.
“Relebohile Mofokeng came in when the team is doing well. Mohau Nkota came in when the team was doing well. Those are offensive players and Pirates have been solid.”
“Even on the side of Mamelodi Sundowns, you look at it, they can throw Malibongwe Khoza in, they can throw Siyabonga Mabena or somebody else in,” he continued.
“But on the sidelines of Chiefs you understand, it’s a bit tricky because the results haven’t been coming.
“The coach can’t take that risk also in some games to say let me throw in a defender, let me throw the young man in. But I feel he [Aden] is ready. Obviously, I want him to break into the team.”
While Chiefs have struggled, they’ve done their part in promoting young players from their academy. The likes of Samkelo Zwane, Mduduzi Shabalala, Mfundo Vilakazi, Wandile Duba, and Donay Jansen have all made the step up in recent years, and the young McCarthy will be hoping to get his turn soon.
IOL Sport
