With the January transfer window looming large, Kaizer Chiefs interim head coach Cavin Johnson has boldly declared his stance on whether the club needs reinforcements.
Chiefs weren’t shy in the September PSL transfer window. Determined to break their trophy drought, they released several players and welcomed a stream of fresh faces.
But the club’s shaky start to the campaign, despite a major roster overhaul and a ruthless pre-season, has sparked questions about whether further reinforcements are needed at Chiefs.
As a result of the early season blues, frustration boiled over into violence for some Chiefs fans following cup exits [MTN8 and Carling Knockout] and a stuttering DStv Premiership campaign, prompting Molefi Ntseki’s October exit.
Many have called for a January shake-up, urging the Amakhosi management to release underperformers and bolster the squad. Busy in the September PSL transfer window, Chiefs welcomed new stars like Pule Mmodi, Edson Castillo, and Sibongiseni Mthethwa, who have shown promise.
Given Msimango and Thatayaone Ditlhokwe have solidified the centre-back position, while Mduduzi Mdantsane, Ranga Chivaviro, and Tebogo Potsane have struggled.
However, Cavin Johnson, who has been at the helm for two months, believes the current squad needs no revamp. He has faith in his Amakhosi arsenal and wants time to instil his philosophy and build a well-oiled machine.
JOHNSON OFFERS HIS THOUGHTS ON WHETHER CHIEFS SHOULD STRENGTHEN IN JANUARY
“At the moment, I don’t want any player because I think that the time I’ve spent with them [players] is far too little,” said Johnson. “If I can change players over two months, in fact, if there is any coach who can change players over two months, I will eat my hat.
“So yes, at the moment, there are some patterns that look like they work, but they are not working all the time. We need to make sure that it is repetition after repetition in order to make them work so that they can be better players.
“And I said this before, you join Chiefs as a good player, and as the coach, I should make you a better player. I’m not a magician, but we are working on it slowly.
“I would not say that I found the best combinations within the team as yet. I think they can be better,” added Johnson.
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