Kaizer Chiefs head coach Cavin Johnson has opened up on the election of Given Msimango as the club’s captain in the absence of Itumeleng Khune, Keagan Dolly and Yusuf Maart.
Johnson was speaking after his side lost 1-0 to Richards Bay FC in a DStv Premiership clash on Sunday afternoon at the King Zwelithini Stadium.
It was the third match for Msimango wearing an armband after he led the side against Cape Town City and Stellenbosch FC.
This was due to the unavailability of Itumeleng Khune, Keagan Dolly and Yusuf Maart who usually lead the team.
Khune was stripped of the captaincy and suspended last year due to disciplinary transgressions after he allegedly arrived in training under the influence of alcohol. He hasn’t played since he returned from suspension in March. Dolly and Maart are still out because of injuries.
Johnson says Msimango was chosen by the team to be a skipper when the trio is on the sidelines.
He believes that the 26-year-old will be the “next best captain” for the club.
CAVIN JOHNSON ON GIVEN MSIMANGO CAPTAINING CHIEFS
“When you do the analysis of the team, the entire team, it’s still very young,” said Johnson.
“I think it’s Itu who has been here for more than 20 years, the other guys are all very young in the team. It’s [Msimango] who they pick as the captain if this one is out, that one is out, Keagan is out injured, Yusuf got injured as well.
“Itu has been fighting to get fit and match fit again to play.
“So, Given is the next best captain because I do believe that in any club you have to have 11 captains on the field and not one.
“Captain is there to toss the coin and make sure that you kick the ball.
“Other than that, I believe that you have to have 11 captains on the field. So, there’s no problem with that for me.”
Msimango signed for the Soweto giants at the beginning of the season from TS Galaxy. He has played 26 matches across all competitions and has yet to rattle the back of the net in the Glamour Boys colours.
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