Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane has named former Kaizer Chiefs defender Aden McCarthy in his preliminary squad for South Africa's upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Kenya.

The 22-year-old defender has earned attention following his performances for Azerbaijani club Sabah FK, where he has continued to develop his game after leaving Kaizer Chiefs in June 2026. His inclusion in the preliminary squad is an important step as he looks to strengthen his position in the national team setup.

According to a report published by The South African on Friday, October 23, McCarthy is among the players selected by Mosimane for the upcoming qualifying double-header. The coach has named 38 players for consideration, with the final squad expected to be smaller.

McCarthy's return to the Bafana Bafana conversation comes after a period of progress in European football. The defender has featured in UEFA Champions League matches for Sabah FK, gaining valuable experience against high-level opposition. His performances have helped raise his profile and put him back in contention for international selection.

The former Chiefs player previously earned one cap for South Africa. His latest inclusion gives him another opportunity to convince Mosimane that he deserves a place in the final squad for the matches against Kenya.

McCarthy's development will be encouraging for South African football supporters, particularly those who followed his journey at Kaizer Chiefs. Although his time at Naturena has ended, he is continuing to pursue his career abroad and working towards establishing himself at a higher level.

South Africa's upcoming matches against Kenya will be important in the race to qualify for the 2027 AFCON tournament. Bafana Bafana will face a Kenyan side coached by former South African striker Benni McCarthy, adding another interesting connection to the two-legged contest.

Mosimane will now assess his preliminary selection before deciding which players will make the final squad. Competition for places is expected to be strong, meaning McCarthy will need to maintain his form and demonstrate that he can contribute to the national team.

His inclusion does not guarantee a place in the final squad, but it shows that he remains under consideration as the coach evaluates his options.

For McCarthy, the immediate objective will be to turn his preliminary selection into a confirmed call-up. If he succeeds, it would represent another important milestone in his career since leaving Kaizer Chiefs and continuing his development in European football.

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