Kaizer Chiefs' interim coach Cavin Johnson has shed more light on the behind-the-scenes sequence of events leading up to his appointment following the departure of Molefi Ntseki.
Following a poor run of form that saw Amakhosi collect just eleven points from their opening nine league games and crashing out of two cup competitions, the club announced a string of technical changes on Monday.
READ | THREE things Johnson has to address immediately at Chiefs
These include the departure of then-head coach Ntseki, an the appointment of Johnson as interim head coach, while assistant coach Arthur Zwane has been redeployed to the club's youth structures and Dillon Sheppard remains to serve as Johnson's assistant.
Speaking to the club's official website, Johnson lightly reveals that he was offered the chance to be at the helm on an interim basis by the club chairman.
"Firstly, I would like to thank the Chairman, Dr. Kaizer Motaung, for seeing enough in me to have the faith to put me in charge of Kaizer Chiefs," Johnson said
"I am sure he thought long and hard about his decision because he knew what he brought me here to do, which is to develop diamonds in the academy. But when he felt, in his wisdom, that he needed me somewhere else, I accepted his proposal.
"To be given the opportunity to coach Amakhosi, one of the world's great footballing institutions, is a great honour for me.
Club UpdateCavin Johnson will take over as the First Team coach on an interim basis. Current assistant coach, Dillon Sheppard will retain his position under Johnson.https://t.co/ektYRGBARu#Amakhosi4Life pic.twitter.com/53yFqP5jCe
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) October 23, 2023
"I empathise with coach Molefi (Ntseki) and coach (Arthur) Zwane but, as we all know, that's football. I want to say that I appreciate their hard work and the solid platform they have left that I aim to build on."
ALSO READ | Another problem at Chiefs…
Johnson's appointment has been met with a mixed reception from Amakhosi supporters across social media.
Let us reject him before he arrives.We do not want Cavin Johnson pic.twitter.com/CSyS8whdy3
— Qhawe kaNcokazi (@Qhawe5654) October 21, 2023
I strongly believe Cavin Johnson it's the right man to lead Kaizer Chiefs for the reminder of the season as a interim coach.My objective it's to see Kaizer Chiefs playing good football, players feeling confident to play, finish second (qualify for CAF) and win the Nedbank Cup! pic.twitter.com/ekIRqidUwV
— Cellular® (@Cellular_jnr) October 23, 2023
However, the former Platinum Stars coach CAF Champions League winner with Pitso Mosimane at Al Ahly, issued a promise to guide the Soweto Giants back to winning ways.
"[I will] devote every bit of experience and knowledge I have gained throughout my career to get the team back to winning ways and playing football the Kaizer Chiefs way, that delights the fans and draws more people to the matches," Johnson added.
Chiefs take on Lamontville Golden Arrows at Mpumalanga Stadium on Saturday.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
Click HERE to register!