Kaizer Chiefs’ Aiden McCarthy eyes title charge ahead of Marumo Gallants clash
Premier Soccer League
Aiden McCarthy is making his own history at Naturena. After scoring his first goal for the club — just as his father Fabian did — the young defender says Kaizer Chiefs are "guns blazing" for the league title. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
Kaizer Chiefs defender Aiden McCarthy has revealed the Glamour Boys are fully committed to mounting a serious challenge for the Betway Premiership title and are prepared to put in the hard work required to stay in the race.
Amakhosi face a demanding midweek assignment when they travel to Bloemfontein to take on Marumo Gallants at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium on Wednesday evening (kick-off 7.30pm).
Chiefs currently occupy third place on the log, sitting just two points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns on 29 points. After enduring several difficult seasons, Amakhosi now find themselves navigating unfamiliar territory — balancing domestic title ambitions with the added demands of continental football.
Gallants have proven to be a tricky opponent at home this season, and despite their inconsistency, McCarthy is under no illusions about the challenge that awaits in Bloemfontein.
“Going to Bloemfontein and playing against Marumo Gallants, we know what we are up against,” McCarthy said, ahead of the match.
“They have quality players and are a team that can bring anything on the day. It’s quite unpredictable, and we can only plan so much, but with what we have as a team, we are going to go out there guns blazing and do the job.”
The young defender added that the title race remains wide open and insisted Chiefs are determined to push until the very end of the campaign.
“The race is on and we want that. We want the league title and it is very possible. We just need to keep working hard and pushing towards that goal.”
Chiefs head into the Gallants clash buoyed by a confidence-boosting CAF Confederation Cup victory over Zesco United in Zambia on Sunday, where they secured a hard-fought 1–0 win to claim their first maximum points in the group stages. The result marked their second victory of the calendar year and strengthened their position both domestically and on the continent.
With the Bloemfontein trip sandwiched between their Confederation Cup fixtures, Amakhosi once again face a demanding run of matches that could shape their season.
Despite the recent win, Chiefs remain third in their continental group, three points behind leaders Al Masry and one adrift of Zamalek, but McCarthy remains confident about their qualification prospects ahead of Sunday’s return fixture.
“We knew we had to collect the three points,” he explained.
“The conditions weren’t the best, and we had to adapt. We knew what we wanted, we fought, we stuck together as a team, and we managed to get the result.
“The chances of qualifying are much better now. The belief is there, and with the remaining games, it can definitely be done.”
The 22-year-old, who is also the son of former Amakhosi defender Fabian McCarthy, scored his first league goal for Chiefs in their recent 1–0 win over Golden Arrows and has enjoyed a promising debut season with the senior side, as he looks to continue making an impact.
“Scoring my first goal for the club in a league game was definitely special,” McCarthy added.
“I later found out that my father and I made history by scoring our first goals for the club against the same team. That’s something I’ll always remember, and I’m hoping to score many more.”