Kaizer Chiefs legend Doctor Khumalo believes the future looks bright for South African football in terms of central defenders, citing Aden McCarthy as another one for the future.
South Africa is currently enjoying an influx of youngsters in the senior national team including at the back where the likes of Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Khulumani Ndamane are key in the current World Cup qualifiers.
McCarthy, who is not in the squad, has enjoyed a good start to the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season with Chiefs where he was twice voted Man of the Match with Amakhosi unbeaten and with a perfect defensive record so far.
Khumalo spoke on DNA Podcast about how McCarthy has been integrated in the first team at his club, adding that maybe if the 21-year-old didn’t get injury he might have been in the national squad.
“I think because of the balance at the back, remember they [Chiefs] tried [Edmilson] Dove in that central position,” said Khumalo.
“And then they tried also to play with the two right footed players with central, but it didn’t give them the balance. So, the coach, not forced, but I think he decided to play McCarthy in that position.
“And what a composed player, stability, confidence and he’s very arrogant. But the problem the last game they played now he got out with a little bit of a hamstring problem.
“So maybe that’s another reason why the coach didn’t call him up, but like you are saying from 2026 going forward we are good.”
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