Cavin Johnson has addressed Brandon Petersen’s outburst directed at him following Kaizer Chiefs’ 3-2 loss to arch-rivals Orlando Pirates in a DStv Premiership clash at FNB Stadium.
Twice on Saturday, Chiefs let slip a lead, allowing the Buccaneers to steal maximum points in the Soweto Derby. At the end of the match, Petersen was seen lashing out animatedly at Johnson on the field after the final whistle.
In the post-match press conference, Johnson downplayed the incident. “It was just a normal chat with the coach,” he said. “We lost the game. What do we have to fight about? [Yes] It’s normal. Did you see Kevin De Bruyne tell Pep Guardiola to shut up? It’s normal. I want my players to react when we lose.”
The former Al Ahly assistant coach emphasised his desire for a passionate response from his players.
“I want them to react! And if they react to me, then I take all that on my shoulders because tomorrow I will fix up whatever the reaction is—then it’s football. I don’t want them to be mice; they have to be people who come and question you.
“I have to question them because, in front of 100,000 people, nobody can hear each other, only the 11 players on the pitch who have to work.”
CAVIN JOHNSON HAS PREVIOUSLY DEFENDED BRANDON PETERSEN
The result was Johnson’s third loss, having fallen to their bitter rivals Pirates in the first round and Golden Arrows.
As interim coach of Amakhosi, Johnson has presided over 12 matches. Johnson guided Chiefs to five wins and three draws. The other match was the Nedbank Cup, in which they were eliminated by second-tier side Milford FC after a penalty shootout.
Johnson has previously jumped to Petersen’s defence when he mishandled a back pass inside the penalty area, allowing Arrows to score the opening goal in October. Chiefs lost that match 2-1.
This wasn’t an isolated incident. He was also blamed for conceding similar goals in previous games against Mamelodi Sundowns twice earlier this season.
“Every mistake now is my mistake. I take the blame for everything that happened today,” Johnson said at the time.
Petersen has not started for Chiefs since that Arrows loss in October, and Bruce Bvuma has been preferred in recent games.
The former Bidvest Wits goalkeeper, Petersen, has featured in 11 matches in all competitions this season, conceding 10 goals.
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