After Kaizer Chiefs parted ways with former coach Cavin Johnson, who was expected to be retained back to his previous position as Head of Youth, KickOff has the low-down on what happened behind the scenes.
It was already a foregone conclusion towards the end of last season that Johnson would not continue as head coach of Chiefs after a string of unsatisfactory results.
However, as Amakhosi explored their coaching options ahead of the 2024/25 campaign and ultimately settled for Nasreddine Nabi, a decision which necessitated a complete overhaul of the technical team, the former Al Ahly assistant was expected to be sent back to his previous role as Head of Youth.
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However, the Soweto giants dropped the news on Monday that they had completely parted ways with Johnson.
"Kaizer Chiefs have agreed to an amicable parting of ways with head of Academy, Cavin Johnson," Chiefs said in a statement.
"Johnson joined Kaizer Chiefs in September 2023 to take up his role at the Club. The departure is part of the restructuring process that the Club is undertaking.
"We wish to thank Mr Johnson for his contribution to Kaizer Chiefs and wish him well in the future."
Word reaching this website, from a reliable source, is that Johnson was shocked by the club's decision to relieve him of his duties, as all along he was told he would go back to his position as Head of Academy.
"The coach was told shortly before they released a statement that he is not going to be retained, it is almost like he found out at the same time as everybody else," the source close to Johnson revealed.
The informant alleged that the former SuperSport United coach felt like the decision was influenced by the new incoming technical team.
"He just feels that the incoming coaches, because he was in charge of the senior team, don't want him around the club, as they could see him as a threat. But that is just his opinion."
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This publication understands that Chiefs will pay out Johnson a settlement after a termination of contract.