Revealed: Johnson’s top 3 attributes for Kaizer Chiefs job

Former PSL star Robert Ng’ambi has explained three attributes that make Cavin Johnson a perfect fit for Kaizer Chiefs’ permanent head coach job.  The ex-Black Leopards skipper told The South African that his former boss at Platinum Stars is the right man for the Naturena hot seat.

Johnson’s man-management skills right for Kaizer Chiefs

In an exclusive interview with The South African, Ng’ambi said Johnson is one of the best in man-management business. He explained: “He has what it takes to coach Kaizer Chiefs if they can give him a chance. He knows how to motivate the players. He knows how to bring the best out of his players. You can see this from the short period he has been with the team.”

The Malawian also cited Johnson’s tactical nous as an added plus for his credentials as Kaizer Chiefs handler. Ng’ambi said this based on his experience working with the coach at Platinum Stars and Black Leopards. The retired midfielder said: “I have worked with Johnson. He deserves to coach Kaizer Chiefs. I am not saying this simply because I have worked with him. He knows how he manages his teams. I know how he does his work tactically.”

Johnson’s tactical nous can benefit Kaizer Chiefs

Ng’ambi, who won the 2023 MTN Cup and Telecom Knockout Cup with Johnson at Platinum Stars, further cited experience as perhaps the coach’s biggest advantage. “I was also with him at Black Leopards. It is not only Platinum Stars that he coached. He coached SuperSport United. He has been with [Mamelodi] Sundowns. He has been at Al Ahly. It is not by chance that Pitso [Mosimane] took him to Al Ahly to be his assistant coach. He knows what he can do,” the former Flames star added.

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Third attribute that can work to the interim coach’s advantage

Johnson has been warming the Kaizer Chiefs seat for months after filling the void created by Molefi Ntseki’s exit. He has steadied the ship with some positive results the latest being a goalless draw against Royal AM over the weekend. It was his second draw in the DStv Premiership since taking over the reins on October 24, 2023, according to Transfermarkt.com. Overall, the 65-year-old has presided over eight league games, positing four wins and two losses.

Which other teams has the caretaker coach managed?

Despite Johnson showing signs of good things to come from him, it is believed that Kaizer Chiefs are still on the market. Reports say Motaung’s still fancy a high-profile manager to end the team’s lingering trophy drought. Names of several coaches such as Pitso Mosimane have been thrown in the hat. However, the ex-Bafana Bafana mentor, who worked with Johnson at Al Ahly between 2020 and 2021, seems to have moved on. Jingles picked a job at Abha Club in Saidi Pro League after signing a short-term contract. The mandate of the celebrated South African coach is to secure the club’s survival from relegation. Zimbabwean Kalisto Pasuwa’s name has also popped up in conversations owing to his impeccable track record with Dynamos back home and now FCB Nyasa Big Bullets in Malawi.

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