Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed that promising young defender Aden McCarthy is set to depart the club to join Azerbaijani side Sabah FK. This transfer marks a significant milestone in the 22-year-old's career as he prepares to take his talents to Europe.
Breakthrough success at Amakhosi
McCarthy, a product of the Kaizer Chiefs youth development system, enjoyed a standout breakthrough campaign with the senior team during the 2025/26 season. Throughout his first full year in the first team, he made 33 appearances across all competitions and contributed two goals, playing a key role in helping the club achieve a third-place finish in the Betway Premiership and secure qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup.
Club leadership perspective
Kaizer Motaung Jr., the Sporting Director at Kaizer Chiefs, expressed pride in the defender's development and his upcoming opportunity on the global stage. Motaung emphasised that the club is eager to see the young player continue his growth and represent the “Amakhosi” spirit while competing in the qualifying rounds of the prestigious UEFA Champions League.
Insight into Sabah FK
Sabah FK, based in Masazir, Azerbaijan, has officially announced the acquisition of the South African center-back on a 3+1 year contract. The club is a formidable force in the Azerbaijan Premier League and enters this partnership following a historic 2025/26 season in which they were crowned league champions.
Founded in 2017, Sabah FK has rapidly established itself as a professional contender in Azerbaijani football. The club plays its home matches at the Bank Respublika Arena, which has a capacity of nearly 9,000 sectators.
Managed by Lithuanian coach Valdas Dambrauskas, the team has enjoyed recent success, including winning the 2024/25 Azerbaijan Cup, and now holds the title of the top team in the country's domestic top-tier league. The move to such an ambitious club offers McCarthy a platform to gain invaluable experience in European competition.