‘We don’t respect our own’: Mokwena on Chiefs coach Johnson

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has explained why he believes Cavin Johnson does not receive the respect and recognition he deserves for his contributions to South African football over the years.

Johnson has been on the South African football scene for a long time, over 25 years. In that time, the Kaizer Chiefs interim coach has been developing and cultivating talent while adding trophies to his cabinet during his days as assistant coach.

Having honed young footballers at the famous School of Excellence, Johnson established Ajax Cape Town’s development program in the early 2000s. He even scouted future stars such as Steven Pienaar and Dillon Sheppard from there.

This wasn’t a one-off – Johnson created similar talent pipelines at Sundowns and Platinum Stars before moving into senior coaching roles. He has worked as head coach of Stars, SuperSport United, AmaZulu FC and Black Leopards. He also enjoyed success as assistant coach of Al Ahly under Pitso Mosimane, where he won two CAF Champions League titles.

Mokwena, who worked with Johnson at Platinum Stars, feels the Amakhosi coach is not getting enough credit for all the good things he has done.

RULANI Mokwena calls for recognition of CAVIN Johnson’s contributions

“We do not respect our own. I don’t think he (Johnson) gets the respect he deserves,” Mokwena said after defeating his former teacher 5-1 in a DStv Premiership match at FNB Stadium on Thursday night.

The victory also allowed Sundowns to clinch their seventh consecutive league title with six games remaining.

“It’s bittersweet (beating Johnson’s Chiefs) because I admire him so much,” Mokwena added. “I think he has done an incredible job. Maybe he won’t get (the recognition he deserves).”

“But it’s like that in South Africa. I mean, that guy (Johnson) has produced a lot of top-level professional football players. He has coached at clubs such as Platinum Stars and SuperSport and has won trophies.

“Coach Cavin has done an incredible job 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’ve always said that I don’t want to be a good coach if I can’t be a good human being. That’s where I am. So it’s very difficult and bittersweet. But it’s football. I’m sure he understands it too.”

Johnson’s time as interim coach of the Chiefs has not been easy. Originally appointed director of the club’s academy, he has faced pressure from fans. He has a record of only six wins, four draws and eight losses in 18 matches.

The Soweto giants are on course for a ninth season without trophies. After early eliminations 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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