On Saturday Kaizer Chiefs will be looking for their second victory on the
road this season when they take on Golden Arrows in KZN. Interim coach
Cavin Johnson will have to make some key decisions in order to ensure the
Soweto giants leave with maximum points. PSLSA takes a look at some of the
questions the experienced coach may face ahead of his first match in
charge.
When it comes to goalkeepers, Johnson has three capable options, with
Itumeleng Khune having started in Chiefs’ last clash in the Carling
Knockout against AmaZulu. However, none of the three have been
particularly convincing this season, so Johnson will have to decide who he
trusts to keep a clean sheet.
The former Platinum Stars mentor has previously given young players an
opportunity to shine and he could be tempted to do the same at Chiefs.
Sabelo Radebe and Mduduzi Shabalala are both eager for regular action,
however, with the pressure to turn things around for the Soweto giants,
Johnson may not be able to take such chances just yet.
Johnson will also have to consider newly signed Luke Fleurs, who has been
training with the team for a few weeks. The former Premiership Young
Player of the Season is determined to make up for lost time, however, a
concern could be his lack of match fitness. Johnson could be tempted to at
least have him on the bench as an option should there be a need to bring
him on.
Finally, Chiefs have been struggling to find the back of the net this
season, with their new strikers yet to score. Ashley du Preez, who has
five goals in all competitions this season, was missing in Amakhosi’s last
match against Usuthu and Johnson will be hoping to have him back, having
struggled with injury before the Carling Knockout last 16 clash.
It remains to be seen how Johnson will answer these questions and whether
his decisions will be enough to secure a much-needed victory for Kaizer
Chiefs.
