Kaizer Chiefs development product, Aden McCarthy, made his senior Amakhosi debut on Saturday in the Club’s 1-1 draw away to Sekhukhune United in Polokwane, following in the footsteps of his father, Fabian, who was a Chiefs player between 2002 and 2008. Aden and his father also became the fifth different father-son duo to have played for the Glamour Boys.

They join the Amakhosi Chairman, Dr. Kaizer Motaung and his son, the Club’s Sporting Director, Kaizer Motaung Jr., as well as Chiefs legend, Doctor Khumalo and his late father, Eliakim Khumalo, and the late former defender Siphiwe Mkhonza and his father, Joseph Mkhonza. The fifth pairing was another former Chiefs defender, Morgan Gould, a league winner with Amakhosi whose father Ace ‘Goodenough’ Nkomo also wore the Gold & Black.

Reflecting on his son’s debut, McCarthy Sr., who featured in 152 games for Chiefs, beamed, “It was a very proud and also emotional moment. If only my late father could have seen Aden make his Kaizer Chiefs debut. For myself and my wife Melissa and extended family, we are very proud of Aden.”

Fabian, who had a trophy-laden career at Chiefs, was further pleased to have joined the illustrious grouping, “I am happy to be part of the father-son legacy at Kaizer Chiefs. Thank you for the opportunity and all the best to Aden,” he said.

McCarthy Jr., who was born on 4 December 2003, two days before his father featured in Chiefs 2003/04 Coca Cola Cup Final win over Platinum Stars, added that he has been a Chiefs fan since birth.

Aden spoke of his delight at getting to make his first team debut, revealing, “I was born into the Kaizer Chiefs colors. My dad was still playing for them at the time. Making my debut for Kaizer Chiefs was a dream of mine since I was a small boy, so it was a big accomplishment to make it come true. As a young player, I just gave my best and I knew the chance would come when the timing was right and I am happy the coach gave me the opportunity to showcase my talent.”

On the history of following his father into the Chiefs first team, he said, “Being the fifth father son combination to play for Kaizer Chiefs is crazy to think about, but honestly, it’s a big honour for me and my family.”

For his family, he had special praise: “I need to give credit to my mother. People will post about my father because of our football link, but my mother has been the backbone for us,” he states.