Cavin Johnson, the caretaker coach of Kaizer Chiefs, believes his tenure has been marked by providing opportunities to young players.

Initially brought in as the club’s Head of Academy at the season’s start, Johnson took over the coaching reins in October following the dismissal of Molefi Ntseki.

Despite being hired primarily for youth development, Johnson feels he’s offered significant playing time to young stars during his eight-month stint as coach. “In my time as the interim coach, a lot of players have had the taste of what it is to play consistently and some of them have had the feel of what it to come in, go out and not come back,” said Johnson. 

Highlighting his expertise in youth development, the 65-year-old coach added, “So I think that is probably what is needed for them to be blooded in but at the same time I think it is a lesson for those that are still at the academy.”  

With the Soweto giants actively searching for a permanent head coach for next season, Johnson’s time in the dugout will conclude with Chiefs’ visit to relegated Cape Town Spurs on Saturday.

The former Al Ahly assistant coach vowed to fight until the final whistle against Ernst Middendorp’s relegated side. “The next game if he (God) allows me to be alive the time the game comes then I’m going to prepare as hard as I can to make that the best game I’ve ever played,” declared Johnson.

Johnson assured Chiefs fans of a goal-filled victory on Saturday, aiming to end Amakhosi’s challenging season on a positive note. “In Cape Town we will have a good following and we will score goals and end the season on a very very high note,” vowed Johnson.  

A win for Chiefs this Saturday could potentially secure their top-eight position and a place in next season’s MTN8, depending on other results.