Johnson Expresses Disappointment In Chiefs Fans’ Treatment Of Khune
Catetaker coach Cavin Johnson has come out to express his disappointment at Kaizer Chiefs fans for the level of honor afforded to the veteran Itumeleng Khune while also reflecting on the shocking defeat to Cape Town Spurs on Saturday’s final day of the 2023/24 season.
The defeat marked a record 12th league loss for Chiefs, mirroring their struggles from the previous season despite a different final standing.
Johnson acknowledged his failure to fulfill his promise of a strong finish. “We had to finish off the season in a really low note and at the same time we had to try and go out to fix what is really not working at the moment,” said Johnson.
He rejected the notion that squad depth or injuries were major factors in the team’s inconsistency. “Playing for Chiefs, whether you have 18 or 35 players, everyone should have the same quality and understand the importance of the badge,” Johnson insisted.
While acknowledging some improvement under his leadership, he conceded a significant mid-season slump. “When I took over, we were nowhere to where we are now, and maybe a little bit better but we improved and had some momentum going and then somewhere along the line we slipped,” said the 65-year-old.
Captain Itumeleng Khune, a Chiefs player for 25 years since his academy days, featured from the bench in his final game. Johnson expressed his disappointment with the level of recognition Khune received from the fans.
“When a player has given 25 years to a particular club and within that period he won games, won trophies, saved them positions.”
“Whatever he is getting now is not what I have seen at other levels. At a different level I have seen people stand up when they see a man like that,” said the former Platinum Stars coach.
The loss not only secured Chiefs’ third consecutive failure to reach the top eight, but also their worst ever league finish (10th) in the Premier Soccer League era.