‘Special’ Aden McCarthy urged to inspire South Africa’s young footballers after Kaizer Chiefs exit

Kaizer Chiefs defender Inacio Miguel believes Aden McCarthy can serve as an example to aspiring footballers across South Africa after completing his move to Azerbaijan Premier League champions Sabah SK.

McCarthy, 22, made his first full appearance for Sabah SK on Saturday, featuring for the entire match against Kapaz PFK in the Azerbaijan top flight. His progress has been welcomed by Miguel, a senior figure in the Kaizer Chiefs dressing room who spoke with strong conviction about his former team-mate’s character and ambitions.

“He is a special boy, you know,” says Miguel.

The Kaizer Chiefs defender said McCarthy’s attitude should make him a role model not only for young players looking to break into the Soweto club’s first team, but for footballers throughout South Africa.

“I feel like Aden should be an example for all youngsters, not only from Kaizer Chiefs but in South Africa.

“He is someone who was very smart; he listened a lot. I feel like nowadays, with this young generation, they come with a lot of demands before achieving anything.

“Aden was humble enough to understand that I arrived in the first team; now what is the next move, what should I do, what shouldn’t I do?

“So, it is very important to understand the timing of things, you know.

“It is not only God’s timing, but it’s also your timing.

“Aden was a very hard worker and knew where he wanted to go, so that is why he is at Sabah right now, because he was clear in his mind that Kaizer Chiefs is not enough.”

Miguel said McCarthy’s move demonstrated the importance of continuing to develop after reaching the senior team. He also urged future Kaizer Chiefs players not to treat their first-team breakthrough as the end of their journey.

“My advice to the young players that will come to Chiefs in the future is that they can’t be comfortable just to arrive in the Kaizer Chiefs first team.

“They need to have the willingness of going the next step, and Aden has a good background. I know Fabian (Aden’s father), and I talk to him a lot.

“I was sure that with the way he was focused… he was clear about where he wanted to go,” says Miguel.

McCarthy’s move to Sabah SK provides him with the opportunity to continue his career with the reigning champions of Azerbaijan’s top division. His first full shift for the club came against Kapaz PFK on Saturday, following his departure from Kaizer Chiefs.

Miguel’s comments underline the belief within his former dressing room that McCarthy’s progress has been driven by discipline, patience and a clear understanding of the next step he wanted to take.