Johnson responds to reports of division and ill discipline at Chiefs

Head coach Cavin Johnson has responded to multiple bombshell reports of division and ill-discipline within the Kaizer Chiefs camp as his side defeated Moroka Swallows 1-0 on Sunday in the Soweto derby.

Striker Christian Saile's late goal was enough to separate the two teams in a highly contested encounter at Dobsonville Stadium.

However, the build up to the match was marred by shocking reports of division among players within the Chiefs camp.

READ | Chiefs secure Soweto Derby bragging rights

Club captain Itumeleng Khune and Mduduzi Mdantsane, who were not part of Amakhosi's match-day squad on Sunday, were also reported to have faced internal disciplinary after allegations of alcohol related transgressions.

Speaking at the post-match press conference after the match, Johnson dismissed the reports and insisted that the unity in his squad was there for all to see on the field.

"We read it all the time and Kaizer Chiefs being the brand they are, I think there's a lot of people  that look to take this big brand to a lower level because in reality there's no brand that is that's as strong as this brand," Johnson said."

"So, whatever you can find, whatever you can do to try and discredit them is always in the papers and I think it's not only now, it's been for a good few years you know what I'm saying.

"Myself, being born in the country where it was black and white, I know how to handle those things. So when it comes to those things, it's like it's like water on a duck's back for me, because if you were born when the rainbow was black and white and now it's colourful, then you know how to handle those things.

"When you look at the people at the back of me, when you look at the people on the side of me, then you can see it's what we've been pressing for is the three points.

"The dressing room? You can't really ask me those questions about the dressing room now, because I mean the dressing room is strong, you can see them. You can go in the dressing room and see how strong they are.

ALSO READ | Akpeyi looks ahead to 'emotional' Chiefs meeting

"Since I have been here, I have felt that the dressing room has been strong. It's never been something that was not there or something I had to come and create. The dressing has been strong from when I took over.

"[On discipline] It's very important [to have disciplined senior player]. I will be the first one to put up my hand if the dressing room is not right."

Chiefs return to action when they take on Polokwane City on 9 December.

You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.

Click HERE to register!