PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA – APRIL 26: Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena during the CAF Champions League semi-final 2nd Leg match between Mamelodi Sundowns and ES Tunis at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on April 26, 2024 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has stepped forward to voice his support for Kaizer Chiefs’ interim coach Cavin Johnson, amidst the backdrop of Masandawana’s triumph for the PSL title.
Sundowns clinched their seventh league title in a row in commanding fashion, defeating Kaizer Chiefs 5-1 on Thursday, and also made history by becoming the first South African club to win the league unbeaten.
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Mokwena, who has a history with Johnson dating back to their time at the now-defunct Platinum Stars in the late 2010s, praised Johnson’s significant contributions to South African football. During their tenure at Platinum Stars, Johnson led the first team to a runners-up finish in the 2012-13 season. Mokwena highlighted Johnson’s role in developing top professional players and his tenure at clubs like Platinum Stars and SuperSport United, where he celebrated trophy wins.
“It’s bittersweet because I admire him a lot, a lot. I think he has done incredible work and he doesn’t get (the respect). But it’s like that in South Africa, isn’t it? We don’t respect our own, he doesn’t get the respect he deserves,” Mokwena told journalists in a press conference.
“I mean, the guy has produced so many top; top professional players. He has coached at clubs like Platinum Stars, SuperSport United, won some trophies,” he added.
Mokwena emphasized the lack of recognition for Johnson’s achievements and the respect he merits for his contributions. Johnson, initially brought into the Amakhosi setup earlier in the season to head the development structures, assumed the interim head coach role following the sacking of Molefi Ntseki in October. As the search for a permanent coach continues, Johnson remains at the helm, striving to steer the club towards a series of positive results. Mokwena also commended Johnson’s character, describing him as an “incredible human being” whose qualities are acknowledged by Chiefs staff.
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“He has really done some incredible work for this country and he is an incredible human being. I think the Kaizer Chiefs staff can attest to that.
“That he is a very, very good person and I have always said I don’t want to be a good coach if I can’t be a good human being and that is where I am at. But it’s very, very difficult as I said it’s bittersweet. It’s football and I’m sure he’ll understand,” Mokwena said.
As Sundowns prepare to face Stellenbosch FC in the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup on Sunday, Kaizer Chiefs are gearing up for a league clash against TS Galaxy on Tuesday. Amidst the competitive spirit of football, Mokwena’s words serve as a reminder of the respect and admiration that exists between coaches, transcending the rivalry on the pitch.
In conclusion, Mokwena’s defense of Johnson sheds light on the broader challenges faced by coaches in South African football, emphasizing the need for recognition and respect for their contributions
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