Kaizer Chiefs defender Aden McCarthy has spoken calmly about the prospect of a FIFA World Cup call-up, insisting he is focused only on what he can control.
“I’m controlling what I can – it’s been a big thing in my mental journey, becoming a stable young man that I am, on and off the field,” he said.
“I control what I can. It’s up to the national team coach and any decision will be respected.”
The 22-year-old has been an ever-present for Chiefs in the 2025/26 Betway Premiership and recently signed his first professional contract at Kaizer Chiefs, a two-year deal with a one-year option running until June 2029.
Beyond his own ambitions, McCarthy also pointed to a broader shift in South African football – the emergence of quality left-footed centre-backs, a position that was notably thin just a few years ago.
Bafana Bafana’s AFCON 2023 squad featured the likes of Siyanda Xulu, Grant Kekana, Mothobi Mvala and Nkosinathi Sibisi at centre-back, with Siyabonga Ngezana and Rushine de Reuck also part of the conversation at various points – all right-footed.
While it was something head coach Hugo Broos lamated, that picture has changed significantly.
McCarthy now joins Rushwin Dortley, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Khulumani Ndamane, Samukele Kabini as left-sided centre-back options for Hugo Broos’ side.
“There was a time where there weren’t many left-centre-backs — there was only, at the time, Rushwin Dortley, if I’m not mistaken,” McCarthy said.
“Over the last season, over the past two seasons, Mbokazi has come in. We used to face each other in the DDC derbies, and we even played next to each other in the Carling Cup we won against Magesi.
“I’d say now it’s all about giving someone a chance. You’d never have known what we are capable of as left-centre-backs; we’re all young. It’s just about getting a chance and grabbing it with both hands.”
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