Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Aden McCarthy is loving life with Sabah as they write their history in the Champions League.

Image: FACEBOOK / SABAH FC

Aden McCarthy is loving life at Sabah FK after tasting his first victory in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night, securing a 2-0 win over Slavia Praha in the league phase.

Having been helpless during their opening 4-0 defeat against Manchester United, Sabah’s victory got their continental campaign back on track as they aim to build momentum heading into the remaining six fixtures of the league phase.

The night at Baku Olympic Stadium proved deeply personal for McCarthy as his mother, Melissa, was in the stands wearing his jersey to cheer him on. 

McCarthy has previously highlighted her crucial role in his journey, acknowledging that while his father, former Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns defender Fabian McCarthy, draws the spotlight, his mother has been the family's anchor.

“I need to give credit to my mother. People post about my father because of our football link, but my mother has been our backbone,” he revealed in a kaizerchiefs.com interview after making his debut, becoming part of the fifth father-son duo to represent the Glamour Boys.

McCarthy has also become an indispensable figure in Sabah’s domestic title charge, featuring in all six matches this season. Sabah sit second on the table with 16 points, level with leaders Neftçi PFK, who have played an extra game.

Sustaining this strong form at home and in Europe will bolster McCarthy’s push for a Bafana Bafana call-up under head coach Pitso Mosimane, who's hellbent on rewarding in-form talent both locally and abroad. 

Sabah’s next Champions League match is at home on Tuesday against Borussia Dortmund.