Kaizer Chiefs’ Khalil Ben Youssef Praises Aden McCarthy After Man of the Match Performance

Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef, standing in for head coach Nasreddine Nabi, has praised young defender Aden McCarthy following his standout display in the club’s 2-0 win over Stellenbosch FC at Athlone Stadium. The match marked Amakhosi’s opening fixture in the 2025 Betway Premiership.

McCarthy, who progressed through the club’s DDC side, produced a disciplined defensive performance that helped secure the clean sheet. His composure and positioning drew praise from Ben Youssef, who credited both the player’s hard work and the developmental pathway at the club.

“Like I said, Aden was with us last season in training,” Ben Youssef said after the game. “We have to say thank you also to our DDC coaches. They prepared him for us. We keep in contact every time to discuss the availability of the players, if they can help us or not, if they are ready or not.”

Ben Youssef revealed that McCarthy had been eased into the senior team, facing challenges in his early appearances but steadily improving through consistent work.

“I think Aden was with us when we started the league last season. His performance was not very good at the time, but we discussed with him and he kept working. He finished the season with us and played the last two games. In the camp, he was one of the best players for us,” Ben Youssef noted.

The coach was clear that McCarthy’s starting place was earned through merit. “He deserves to play and we don’t give him gifts. His performance allowed him to play for the team.”

The win over Stellenbosch has given Chiefs a positive start to the campaign, with McCarthy’s form offering further optimism for the season ahead. The 21-year-old will be expected to play a bigger role as the team continues its bid for domestic success.