Fabian McCarthy says he ‘never coached’ Bafana Bafana hopeful son Aden

Fabian McCarthy says his role in the development of his son Aden has been limited to being a father, rather than acting as his coach.

The former South Africa defender was speaking at the launch of ex-national team-mate Matthew Booth’s book, A Game of Two Halves, in Johannesburg on Thursday.

Booth asked McCarthy what advice he would offer parents bringing up children who could become professional footballers. Aden has since earned a call-up to the Bafana Bafana squad and is playing in the UEFA Champions League for Azerbaijan club Sabah.

McCarthy’s younger son, Austin, is also following the family footballing path and is progressing through the junior ranks at Kaizer Chiefs.

“For me, it was simple. Both Aden and Austin, I’m only a father. I never coached Aden. I never entertained Aden’s talks of, ‘I’m not playing Daddy; coach this and that’. I allowed them to have a say or make a decision,” said McCarthy.

The former central defender, who played for both Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns, said parents should avoid placing too much pressure on young players or trying to control their career choices.

“I’m just a father, a provider, a protector, and a caretaker. So, for me, that is the simple thing I’m telling parents. I get the same thing that you are getting from Panorama FC, from wherever, GDL (Gauteng Development League). Just let your child be your child! Playing GDL, let him have fun, let him enjoy the game,” he added.

Aden awaits Bafana Bafana decision

McCarthy also urged parents to allow their children to develop their own motivation instead of making decisions based on their personal ambitions or relationships within the game.

“Let him want it more than what we want for them. I think that is where I see most parents making the wrong decision, taking their child out of here because he’s not playing, and putting him there because he’s friends with the coach. So, it doesn’t work.”

Aden, like his younger brother Austin, plays as a centre-back. He will hope to retain his place in the Bafana Bafana squad when the final selection is announced sometime next week.

South Africa are scheduled to play Kenya in successive Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on 13 and 17 November.