
Wits University has not had the start they may have wished for in their 2022 Varsity Football campaign, after having lost one and drawn one, in their opening two encounters.
The football club were however pleased to welcome back to their camp, an exciting young centre-back, Aden McCarthy in their second fixture away to the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).
The 18-year-old who was born and raised in Newclare, Westbury in Johannesburg recently returned to the Wits squad after missing out on the first game against NWU, due to commitments with Kaizer Chiefs at the DStv Diski Shield.
The trip away saw McCarthy and Amakhosi being crowned champions, where Aden starred for the club’s reserve side.
Since his return, however, Wits head coach Alzavien Van Rheede has opted to utilise his services as a holding midfielder, to give the Wits side more stability in the middle of the park. McCarthy although a young player, possesses some form of experience, having already spent four years in the development system of Amakhosi.
He is currently in his first year of study at Wits University, studying towards a BA General degree and has relished the idea of being a part of the Varsity Football squad. He took some time out between class and training to take us through his experiences and what he would like to achieve in this year’s Varsity Football campaign with the Witsies.
SN: How was your experience at the recent Diski Shield with Kaizer Chiefs?
AM: My experience at the recent Diski Shield with Kaizer Chiefs was amazing, definitely a dream come true for me.
SN: How was it transitioning into Varsity Football now from the Diski Shield?
AM: The transition was not difficult at all, even though I’m playing as a holding midfielder, having huge crowds and the high tempo of the game isn’t anything new to me.
SN: What are you looking to achieve with Varsity Football?
AM: As an individual in the team, I’m trying to help Wits win the Varsity Football tournament.
SN: What does playing for Wits in Varsity Football mean to you?
AM: It certainly means a lot to me; Wits University is a huge institution with a lot of history. I would never take this opportunity for granted.
SN: How are you guys going about improving your performances in the Varsity Football tournament?
AM: We are working towards our strengths as individuals to better the team’s performance as a whole, and to dominate ball possession as much as possible.
SN: What are you looking to achieve (long and short-term goals) in football?
AM: To achieve the most I possibly can, and individuals stand out from the rest, to continue making my name known.”
SN: Any message to those that may want to follow in your footsteps?
AM: Becoming a footballer is one thing, but there’s a lot that comes with it. Hard work beats talent.”
By S’fiso Nyawo