By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Kaizer Chiefs interim head coach Cavin Johnson has played down allegations of lack of discipline within the club, following reports of racial tensions and alcohol abuse among players.
Chiefs registered their second Premier Soccer League win from their latest four outings after defeating Moroka Swallows on Sunday by a solitary goal.
It was also a positive outcome after a tough week for Chiefs following several indiscipline cases involving captain Itumeleng Khune and Mduduzi Mdantsane.
According to the report, the black players claim that ‘coloured’ players are treated better by the club’s management.
Johnson says they don’t have any racial tensions in their camp.
“Kaizer Chiefs, being the big brand they are, I think there are a lot of people trying to take the brand to a lower level,” Johnson told the media.
“In reality, there is no brand that is as strong as this brand. Whatever you can find, whatever you can do to discredit them is always in the papers.
“I think it’s not only now, it’s been for a good few years. Myself, being born in a country with black and white, I know how to handle these things.”
Johnson further insisted he knows how to handle the situation in case it arises, “When it comes to those things it’s like water on a duck’s back for me, because if you’re born in the era of black and white and now there is colour, then you know how to handle those things,” the former Al Ahly assistant coach continued.
“We deal with those things properly in our village, of that sort of nature with the players. You can see on the pitch that they want to do it for each other.
“I lead the team and when you look at the back of me, when you look at the people on the side of me then you can see it’s what we’ve been pressing for, is the three points.”
“You can’t really ask me those questions about the dressing room, because the dressing room is strong,” Johnson commented on recent disciplinary issues in the team when asked to shed light on recent happenings involving Khune and Mdantsane.
“You can go to the dressing room now and you will see how strong they are. Since I have been here, I have always felt that the dressing room is strong.
“It is very important and I will be the first one to put up my hand if the dressing room is not right.”
These allegations and disciplinary problems at the club come at a time when Chiefs are struggling to turn things around and bring success to the club, now going to a ninth year without silverware.
Chiefs win took them to 17 points and sixth position on the table after playing 13 matches, 11 points behind leaders and defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns who have played just eight games.