Aiden McCarthy: Ex-Kaizer Chiefs Defender Starts for Sabah vs Man United at Old Trafford
- Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Aiden McCarthy started for Sabah FK against Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League
- McCarthy, 22, made the journey from his PSL debut in May 2025 to facing one of Europe's biggest clubs at Old Trafford
- Sports broadcaster Robert Marawa celebrated McCarthy's milestone on X, calling him 'our very own'
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A South African defender who was playing in the PSL just over a year ago lined up at Old Trafford on Thursday, 10 September 2026.
Source: Facebook
Aiden McCarthy, 22, started for Sabah FK against Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League group stage, making him one of the very few South Africans to play at that level of European club football.
Sports broadcaster Robert Marawa was quick to share the news, posting:
"Our very own Aden McCarthy starts for his team SABAH FK vs Manchester United in the UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE tonight!!! Salute!!"
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From Kaizer Chiefs to Old Trafford
McCarthy came through the Kaizer Chiefs system and made his senior debut against Sekhukhune United in May 2025 in a 1-1 draw. Former Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi publicly praised the youngster after that debut appearance. At Chiefs, he was primarily used as a left-back, wearing the No. 47 shirt.
His move to Sabah FK in Azerbaijan opened up a new chapter. The club qualified for the Champions League group stage after beating Hapoel Be'er Sheva 6-4 on aggregate, with a dramatic extra-time victory in the second leg sealing their spot. That result set up the meeting with Manchester United. Sabah are also recognised as the youngest club to reach the Champions League group stage, meaning McCarthy is part of a genuinely historic campaign.
As seen in the post below on X.
South Africans show McCarthy love
South Africans on social media were proud of the moment:
@injalolento wrote:
"I remember this Pirates supporter saying he went to Malawi of Europe and only Rele went to 'proper Europe' 😂"
[@Seeya07](https://x.com/Seeya07) said:
"Congratulations MaKati ntwana 🐯🐯"
[@PitsoRonnie added:
"Congrats are in order 🎊 Bro @robertmarawa to McCarthy family, friends, @KaizerChiefs we're proud as a country to have him representing our beautiful nation 🇿🇦 The last time a SA player played at Old Trafford was Quinton Fortune and @bennimccarthy17 🙌👑"
Quinton Fortune advises Bafana Bafana stars to leave PSL
Briefly News previously reported that Bafana Bafana legend Quinton Fortune spoke about what South Africa's players must do after their historic World Cup knockout-round appearance
Fortune, who played for Manchester United for seven years, pointed to the careers of Messi and Ronaldo as proof of what is required
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Source: Briefly News
