“Not A Joke” — McCarthy Warns Relegation-Threatened Chippa No Mercy
Kaizer Chiefs breakout defender Aden McCarthy has vowed that Amakhosi will not take their foot off the gas when they wrap up their 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign against relegation-threatened Chippa United at the Moses Mabhida Stadium this Saturday.
While the curtain closer is technically a formality for Chiefs—who have already locked down third place and secured a return to continental football via next season’s CAF Confederation Cup—McCarthy insists there is still plenty to play for.
Keeping Momentum in the Kingdom
Amakhosi will be back in Durban following their hard-fought 1-0 victory over AmaZulu last weekend. In that encounter, Glody Lilepo netted the match-winner before receiving a bizarre red card for removing his shirt during his celebration, earning a costly second yellow. The victory moved Chiefs to 54 points from 29 matches.
McCarthy was crucial in securing that clean sheet, anchoring the defense alongside Given Msimango. Angolan international Inácio Miguel was later introduced to steady the ship after Lilepo’s dismissal left them under late pressure.
Now, the young defender wants to reward the local faithful with one final victory.
“On behalf of the players, the technical team, and the management of the club, we want to end the season on a high,” McCarthy stated.
“We want to head into the break with three points and on a positive note. We are calling out all our supporters in Durban—and across the country—to bring the vibe. We will get those three points.”
No Favours for Fighting Chilli Boys
Historically, breaking down the Chilli Boys has proven a stubborn task for the Glamour Boys. The reverse fixture in December ended in a tense goalless stalemate, mirroring the 0-0 draw the two sides played out in the latter half of last season.
However, McCarthy—who has enjoyed a stellar breakout campaign with 28 appearances across all competitions—is showing zero sentimentality toward a Chippa United side, in 13th place, fighting for top-flight survival under newly appointed manager Brandon Truter.
“Going to this weekend’s game, it is just like going to any other game,” added McCarthy.
“Although there is nothing to play for, we are going for three points; it’s not a secret, it’s not a joke, whatever.
“We want the three points; we want to end this season with 57 points.”
Chiefs’ tactical depth will be tested on Saturday. Alongside the suspended Lilepo, Chiefs will also have to navigate the forced absence of influential midfielder Flávio da Silva, who misses out due to an accumulation of yellow cards.
