Former Bafana Bafana captain Aaron Mokoena believes Aden McCarthy’s decision to move abroad could play a major role in his bid to return to the national team.
The former Kaizer Chiefs defender joined Azerbaijani side Sabah FK in June and has quickly established himself as an important part of the club’s setup.
McCarthy’s move has also given him an opportunity to test himself against higher-level opposition. The 22-year-old recently made his UEFA Champions League debut at Old Trafford against Manchester United, providing another significant milestone in his developing career.
Mokoena impressed by McCarthy’s progress
Mokoena believes McCarthy is benefiting from the experience of playing outside South Africa and feels the defender has the ability to compete at a high level.
The former Bafana captain pointed to McCarthy’s previous involvement with South Africa’s CHAN team and his experience under former national team coach Molefi Ntseki as important steps in his development.
Mokoena also suggested that more South African players could benefit from moving abroad and regularly competing against top-level opposition.
For McCarthy, his spell in Azerbaijan represents an opportunity to build on his early career while putting himself back on the national-team radar.
Could McCarthy earn another Bafana call-up?
McCarthy already has international experience, having featured for South Africa at CHAN level, and Mokoena believes continued progress abroad could eventually lead to a senior Bafana Bafana return.
With Pitso Mosimane now back in charge of the national team, McCarthy will be hoping his performances for Sabah can put him in contention for selection.
Mokoena also praised McCarthy’s family background, highlighting the role his father, Fabian McCarthy, played in helping shape the young defender’s career.
For now, the challenge for McCarthy is to maintain his form in Azerbaijan and continue gaining valuable experience against strong opposition.
If he can do that consistently, his path back into the Bafana Bafana setup could become increasingly realistic.
