Veteran goalkeeper coach Grant Johnson appears likely to be the latest casualty in the restructuring of the technical team initiated by Siwelele FC chairman Calvin Le John.
Johnson’s imminent departure follows last week’s exit of CEO Stan Matthews and assistant coach Andre Arendse.
“We’ve parted ways with our CEO, Stan Matthews, and our assistant coach, Andre Arendse. They have been great men to work with, but we cannot keep them on bought when their lives are threatened on a daily basis. We are also going to terminate the contracts of players who have not shown the heart and the willingness to fight for this team,” Le John said over the weekend.
Arendse was replaced by former Bloemfontein Celtic stalwart Willem Jackson, who has already been brought in to head coach Lehlohonolo Seema’s backroom staff. Lerato Kholoanyane stepped in as acting CEO.
Like Matthews and Arendse, Johnson was part of the staff retained from the club’s time as SuperSport United prior to the ownership change and rebrand. However, mounting pressure from poor results compelled Le John to dismantle the old guard.
JOHNSON LIKELY TO MISS MARUMO GALLANTS TIE
The first public indication of Johnson’s absence came on Tuesday night during Siwelele’s 1-0 loss to Orlando Pirates in the Betway Premiership at the Free State Stadium, where Cyprian Musibe was listed as the goalkeeper coach on the team sheet. Musibe is the club’s DStv Diski Challenge [DDC] goalkeeper mentor.
It is understood that Johnson is currently finalising his departure from the club. According to sources, the Bafana Bafana goalkeeper coach has not been part of the team’s preparations for the clash against Marumo Gallants.
Meanwhile, the two clubs meet at the Seisa Ramabodu Stadium on Sunday in a crucial clash that Siwelele must win to start climbing up the table. However, they may have to do without Johnson’s services.
Siwelele are currently sitting at the basement of the 16-team table, having amassed four points from eight games. The club was able to bring in Samkelo Zwane and Happy Mashiane on loan from Kaizer Chiefs.
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