Kaizer Chiefs Sell Defender – Aden McCarthy to Join Champions League Club

John Eastwood

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Last updated: 1 hour ago

John Eastwood 1 hour ago

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Aden McCarthy sold to FK Sabah for R7 million; moves to UEFA Champions League club.
Chiefs’ Sporting Director proud of McCarthy’s European opportunity.
Thabo Maloisane signed as a defensive replacement.

Aden McCarthy has departed Kaizer Chiefs, with Thabo Maloisane signed as a replacement (Getty Images).

Amakhosi Sanction Sale

Kaizer Chiefs have allowed homegrown defender Aden McCarthy to complete a move to FK Sabah ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Amakhosi Sanction Sale
Chiefs' Sporting Director Hails Move
Replacement Secured in Defence

The Azerbaijani Premier League winners will complete in next season’s UEFA Champions League. The 22-year-old is said to have fetched a transfer fee of R7 million for Chiefs.

McCarthy made 31 appearances last season across all competitions, scoring two goals. The left-footed centre back brings calm passing and an aerial duels success rate of over 70% across last season’s Betway Premiership.

Chiefs' Sporting Director Hails Move

Kaizer Chiefs' Sporting Director, Kaizer Motaung Jr. expressed his happiness over McCarthy’s transfer to Europe.

He said: “We can confirm that we have agreed to release Aden after being approached by Sabah FK.

“We are proud that he will compete in the qualifying round of next season’s UEFA Champions League.

“We know Aden will fly the Amakhosi flag high in Europe, and we are excited to see him grow on the world stage.”

Replacement Secured in Defence

Kaizer Chiefs have already secured a direct replacement at the back to replace Aden McCarthy.

Bafana Bafana international Thabo Maloisane has arrived on a free transfer from Stellenbosch FC.

Maloisane will join a strong pool of centre back options which includes Given Msimango, Inachio Miguel, Rushwin Dortley, Zitha Kwinika and Bradley Cross.