Chiefs Star Singles Out McCarthy as an Example for Young Players
For many young footballers, breaking into the Kaizer Chiefs first team can feel like the ultimate achievement. For Inacio Miguel, however, that should only be the beginning.
The Chiefs defender has singled out former teammate Aden McCarthy as an example of how young players should approach the early stages of their professional careers, praising the 20 year old for his humility, discipline and willingness to learn.
McCarthy recently left Chiefs for Azerbaijani club Sabah FK after progressing through the club’s academy and eventually making his senior team breakthrough.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s blockbuster Betway Premiership clash against Mamelodi Sundowns, Miguel said McCarthy’s attitude separated him from many other young players trying to establish themselves in South African football.
“He’s a special boy. I feel like Aden should be an example to a lot of young players, not only at Kaizer Chiefs but in South Africa,” said Miguel.
Miguel praises McCarthy’s humility
The Angolan international believes McCarthy understood that earning a place in the senior squad was only the first step.
According to Miguel, the youngster was willing to listen, learn from experienced players and understand what was expected of him rather than immediately demanding more.
“He’s someone who is very smart. He listens a lot,” Miguel said.
The defender suggested that some young players can become too focused on what they believe they deserve before establishing themselves at the highest level.
McCarthy, he said, took a different approach.
“Aden was humble enough to understand that I arrived in the first team and what’s the next move now, what I should and shouldn’t do.”
For Miguel, that mindset can make a significant difference during the early stages of a footballer’s career.
‘It’s very important to understand the timing’
Miguel also highlighted the importance of patience and knowing when to take the next step.
The Chiefs defender said young players need to understand that development does not happen according to a fixed timetable.
“It’s very important to understand the timing of things. It’s not only God’s timing, but it’s also your timing.”
McCarthy’s progression at Chiefs ultimately led to an opportunity abroad, with Miguel attributing the move to the youngster’s commitment and work ethic.
“Aden was a very hard worker, and that’s why he’s at Sabah.”
Miguel warns Chiefs youngsters against becoming comfortable
While breaking into the Chiefs first team represents a major milestone, Miguel believes young players must resist the temptation to view it as the destination.
Instead, they should continue pushing themselves and looking for opportunities to develop.
“They cannot just be comfortable just to arrive in the Kaizer Chiefs first team. They must have the willingness to go to the next stage.”
That message comes as Chiefs prepare for a high profile encounter against Mamelodi Sundowns, with the match providing another opportunity for players within the squad to demonstrate their quality.
For the club’s younger players, McCarthy’s journey offers a particularly relevant example. His route from the academy to the senior team and eventually to European football illustrates the importance of combining talent with discipline, patience and a willingness to learn.
Fabian McCarthy also credited
Miguel also acknowledged the influence of McCarthy’s father, former Bafana Bafana defender Fabian McCarthy, in the youngster’s development.
With his own experience at the highest level, Fabian has been able to provide guidance as his son navigates the demands of professional football.
For Miguel, however, the younger McCarthy’s attitude remains central to his progress.
The message to Chiefs’ emerging talent is therefore straightforward: making the first team is an achievement, but staying hungry enough to reach the next level could ultimately determine how far a career goes.
