Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has explained why he believes Cavin Johnson is not given the respect and recognition he deserves for his contributions to SA football over the years.
Johnson has been around the SA football scene for a long time, over 25 years. In that time, the Kaizer Chiefs interim coach has been developing and nurturing talent while adding trophies to his cabinet during his assistant coach days.
Having honed young footballers at the famed School of Excellence, Johnson went on to establish Ajax Cape Town’s development programme in the early 2000s. He even scouted future stars like Steven Pienaar and Dillon Sheppard from there.
This wasn’t a one-off – Johnson built similar talent pipelines at Sundowns and Platinum Stars before moving on to senior coaching roles. He has had stints as head coach of Stars, SuperSport United, AmaZulu FC and Black Leopards. He also enjoyed success as Al Ahly’s assistant coach under Pitso Mosimane where he won the two CAF Champions League titles.
Mokwena, who worked under Johnson at Platinum Stars feels the Amakhosi coach isn’t getting enough credit for all the good things he’s done.
RULANI Mokwena Calls for Recognition of CAVIN Johnson’s Contributions
“We don’t respect our own. I don’t think he [Johnson] gets the respect he deserves,” said Mokwena after hammering his old teacher 5-1 in a DStv Premiership tie at FNB Stadium on Thursday night.
The victory also saw Sundowns clinch their seventh successive league title with six games to spare.
“It is bittersweet [win over Johnson’s Chiefs] because I admire him a lot,” added Mokwena. “I think he has done incredible work. He maybe doesn’t get [the recognition he deserves].”
“But it is like that in South Africa. I mean, the guy [Johnson] has produced so many top professional football players. He has coached at clubs like Platinum Stars and SuperSport and has won trophies.
“Coach Cavin has done incredible work for this country. He is an incredible human being. I think the Kaizer Chiefs staff can attest to that. He is a very good person. And I have always said that I don’t want to be a good coach if I can’t be a good human being. That is where I am. So it is very difficult and bittersweet. But it is football. I’m sure he also understands.”
Johnson’s time as Chiefs’ interim coach hasn’t been smooth sailing. Originally roped in as the club’s head of academy, he’s faced pressure from fans. He has a record of only six wins, four draws and eight defeats in 18 games.
The Soweto giants are on track for a trophyless ninth season. After early exits from the Carling Knockout Cup, MTN8, and Nedbank Cup, their sights are set on securing a top-eight finish in the league
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