Kaizer Chiefs interim coach Cavin Johnson has promised to bring the club
back to their traditional way of playing and five players could have their
careers revived under his philosophy. Johnson made the statement after
being appointed and his philosophy is expected to be heavily focused on
attacking and possession-based football.
Here are five players who could feature more prominently under Johnson’s
anticipated approach:
1. Nkosingiphile Ngcobo
Ngcobo, who was one of the key players under previous head coach Arthur
Zwane, fell out of favour under Molefi Ntseki, who did not prefer playing
with a number 10. However, Ngcobo represents the traditional Kaizer Chiefs
way, given his vision, composure on the ball and natural creativity.
2. Mduduzi Shabalala
Shabalala, whose career was taking shape under Zwane, was also not
preferred by Ntseki. He has the ability to take on defenders and is much
more comfortable on the ball than other forwards like Christian Saile,
Jasond Gonzalez and Ranga Chivaviro.
3. Happy Mashiane
Mashiane has not had game time for a long period, even under Zwane, but he
needs a brave coach who would prioritize his ability on the ball as a left
wing-back and gradually work on improving his defending.
4. Samkelo Zwane
Zwane is one of the technically gifted midfielders at Chiefs and could
start getting opportunities if Johnson prioritizes possession football.
5. Dillan Solomons
Solomons’ burst of pace on the right could finally be used again, as
Amakhosi rarely played with high over-lapping full-backs, which could have
been an instruction from Ntseki to remain stationed at the back.
Johnson will be in charge for the first time when Chiefs visit Golden
Arrows in the Premiership on Saturday afternoon at Mpumalanga Stadium.
