The 21-year-old Aden has had a brilliant start to life in the Amakhosi first team since captaining their junior side to the DStv Diski Challenge last season. In his first two senior games – both won by Chiefs – Aden has picked up the man-of-the-match award.

McCarthy senior, who spent five years in the famous black-and-gold Chiefs jersey in the early 2000s, was proud of his son’s early achievements.

“Very humbled, very proud, very priceless moments that one just has to embrace and say ‘Thank you, Lord, for giving me such a kid and for keeping him in a safe place.’ I said, ‘Congratulations, you need to double up now’,” he added.

Thanks to the young McCarthy’s performances in the heart of defence, Amakhosi currently find themselves second in the league after two wins from two games.

Chiefs will be back on the field next Tuesday when they host Richards Bay and will be hoping for another inspired performance from the young academy graduate and son of a club legend.