In the midst of Kaizer Chiefs’ search for a new head coach, former mentor Pitso Mosimane has thrown his considerable support behind Cavin Johnson, currently serving as the interim head coach. The coaching vacancy at Naturena has sparked numerous speculations about potential candidates, but Mosimane believes Johnson is the man for the job.
Having previously worked together at Al Ahly, where Johnson served as Mosimane’s assistant, the two share a professional history that Mosimane values. Despite Johnson’s relatively brief stint at Al Ahly, the experience of competing in the FIFA Club World Cup and securing the prestigious CAF Champions League title has left an indelible mark on Mosimane.
In a recent press conference organized by the South African Football Journalists’ Association, Mosimane expressed his confidence in Johnson’s capabilities. He acknowledged Johnson’s current role as the head of youth at Kaizer Chiefs but emphasized that the interim position should not undermine his potential as the senior coach.
“We can’t talk about his role as a senior coach when he is with the youth because that is probably what he wants, I can’t on his behalf,” Mosimane stated. He encouraged the media to engage directly with Johnson about his aspirations and whether the experiences gained at Al Ahly, including facing off against giants like Bayern Munich, have equipped him for success.
However, the decision ultimately rests with Kaizer Chiefs’ management, who are yet to announce a permanent head coach. The club has been without a head coach, creating an air of anticipation around who will lead one of the PSL’s most prominent teams in the upcoming seasons.
As for Mosimane, currently unemployed, he revealed he is in no hurry to return to coaching. The seasoned tactician intends to take some time off to spend with his family before delving back into the coaching scene. Amidst his hiatus, he hinted at the possibility of joining the Nigeria Football Federation, recognizing the challenges faced by the Super Eagles under their current coach, José Peseiro.
The future of the Kaizer Chiefs coaching staff remains uncertain, but with the weighty endorsement from a respected figure like Pitso Mosimane, Cavin Johnson’s journey to the top job at Amakhosi may be more promising than ever.