By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@KaizerChiefs.
Kaizer Chiefs Football Club have confirmed the appointment of former Al Ahly assistant coach Cavin Johnson as their new Head of Academy.
Chiefs Sporting Director, Kaizer Motaung Jr said, “We are delighted to bring Coach Cavin on board. He brings a wealth of knowledge that will continue to build our Academy programs and scouting network in order to take the Club forward with the aim of imprinting the Kaizer Chiefs philosophy throughout every level of the Club. We believe Coach Cavin possesses all the attributes to steer us in the direction we want to go, which is to continue to create an elite development model that will lead us to sustainable success into the future.”
Amakhosi recently made a bold move by appointing renowned sports psychologist Dr Henning Gericke to their technical team as a high-performance coach.
Johnson’s primary focus will be in the academy. However, indications are that he will also assist with scouting duties at the club.
The role sounds tailor-made for the 64-year-old mentor, who strongly advocates for youth development.
The former Platinum Stars, SuperSport United and AmaZulu coach is one of many coaches who came under the tutelage of the late Ted Dumitru.
“I am happy to join Kaizer Chiefs as Head of Youth and the scouting department. For me, joining Amakhosi means joining an institution. I am also happy to bring along all my experience that I have gained over the past 20-25 years of working with youth,” he says, adding, “Hopefully, in my time at Kaizer Chiefs, we will be able to unearth and develop the next Doctor Khumalo’s, Ace Khuse’s, Jabu Pule’s, Tinashe Nengomasha’s. We are aiming to get to the level where Kaizer Chiefs develop a lot of the players they need, and local players that are able to play in this ‘heavy’ jersey that is called Kaizer Chiefs. It is a privilege and an honour, and I would like to thank the Chairman, as well as the Board of Directors, including Bobby Motaung, Kaizer Jr., Jessica and Kemiso for allowing me to join such a big organisation.”
Johnson holds a UEFA professional coaching license, with particular expertise in youth football, and has also obtained coaching licenses via CAF, the Dutch Football Association and the Brazilian CBF.
He was the Director of the Royal Bafokeng Sports Academy between 2008 and 2012, helping develop the Platinum Stars academy, before going on to have stints as head coach of Platinum Stars, SuperSport United, AmaZulu and Black Leopards.
The highly-coveted coach gained invaluable experience during a successful period as assistant to Pitso Mosimane at Egyptian giants, Al Ahly, which included two CAF Champions League winners medals in 2020 and 2021, so he understands the demands and expectations of a big club.