Kaizer Chiefs defender Aden McCarthy has quashed suggestions he’s been hampered by an injury as he looks forward to finishing his 2025/26 breakout season strong with the Soweto giants.
There is a quiet confidence about McCarthy these days, and why wouldn’t there be? The 22-year-old Chiefs defender has just committed his immediate future to Naturena, signing a fresh two-year contract with an option to extend, and cemented his place a regular in the heart of the back-four.
The ink had barely dried when attention turned, as it always does in football, to the next ninety minutes which saw them hold Orlando Pirates to a 1-1 draw in the Soweto Derby and now Chiefs travel to Bloemfontein to face Siwelele FC in what promises to be a stern test as the business end of the PSL season arrives.
For McCarthy, the trip carries significance beyond three points, as the city where his father, Fabian, started his professional career in the colours of Bloemfontein Celtic.
Injury Fears Allayed
“I’m doing good. In the previous game I had stiffness in my left hamstring so it was a precautionary move to be substituted, it wasn’t an injury, and yeah, just making sure I’m fine,” McCarthy said.
“I have recovered and I’m ready for the game. Playing in Bloem is not extra special, but there’s sentimental meaning to me — it’s where my father started playing, so I’m looking forward to it and feeling confident.”
It is the kind of detail that fills out a footballer’s portrait, the son returning, in the Gold and Black shirt his father also donned, in the city where his father first laced up his boots.
That context does not escape McCarthy, even as his focus remains squarely on the collective mission.
Siwelele Challenge
“Siwelele is a good team. They managed to hold a draw against Pirates and we shouldn’t overlook the individual quality they have in their team.
“It should be a tough game and now going towards the end of the season, we must do the most we can as a team and make sure we get three points every game.”
Siwelele host Amakhosi tomorrow at the Toyota Stadium with kick off scheduled for 19h30.
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