Kaizer Chiefs defender Aden McCarthy is set to leave the South African club after completing a transfer to Azerbaijan side Sabah FK. The 22-year-old had a strong breakthrough campaign with Amakhosi, establishing himself in the senior team during the 2024/25 season and becoming one of the club’s promising young talents.
McCarthy made 33 appearances in all competitions in his first full season with the first team. He also scored twice, contributing to Kaizer Chiefs’ third-place finish in the Betway Premiership and helping the team secure qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup. His rise from the youth ranks to the senior squad was seen as an important success story for the club’s development system.
Kaizer Chiefs Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr. confirmed the move and said the club had agreed to release the defender after being approached by Sabah FK. He noted that Chiefs were proud McCarthy would now have the opportunity to compete in the qualifying rounds of next season’s UEFA Champions League.
McCarthy’s journey with the Glamour Boys began as a teenager in the club’s development structures. He progressed through several youth levels, including the reserve team that plays in the DStv Diski Challenge. His steady performances at junior level eventually earned him a first-team debut near the end of the 2024/25 season, and he went on to become a regular part of the senior setup.
The transfer marks a major step in McCarthy’s career as he moves from South African football to Europe-based competition, even though Sabah FK are in Azerbaijan. Chiefs described the move as a chance for the defender to grow on a bigger stage and gain valuable experience in continental and European competition. Motaung said the club believes McCarthy will represent Kaizer Chiefs well abroad and continue to develop as a player.
For Kaizer Chiefs, the departure is both a loss and a sign of progress within their youth system. The club has long emphasized the importance of developing players from within, and McCarthy’s rise to the senior team is an example of that pathway. His exit also reflects the growing attention South African talent is attracting from clubs outside the country.
Sabah FK’s interest in the defender came after his impressive run of performances for Chiefs, where he showed maturity, defensive discipline and an ability to contribute in attack. With a move now agreed, McCarthy will be hoping to build on the momentum from his breakthrough season and make his mark in a new league.
Chiefs supporters will now watch closely as the young defender takes the next step in his career. The club says it remains proud of his progress and expects him to carry the Amakhosi name forward as he begins his journey in Europe-linked competition.
