Crucial Questions Arise as Johnson Prepares First Chiefs Starting Lineup

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.