Chiefs appoint Johnson as head of academy

Kaizer Chiefs have appointed former Platinum Stars and SuperSport United coach Cavin Johnson as the new head of academy.

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In a statement issued on Friday, Chiefs said Johnson’s portfolio includes full oversight of the club’s youth academy and scouting network.

Amakhosi sporting director, Kaizer Motaung Jr. has welcomed Johnson’s appointment, saying Johnson possesses all the attributes to steer the club in the direction they want to go.

“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,” says Motaung.

“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.”

Johnson is excited at the prospect of taking up this “very important position” at Chiefs.

“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.

“Hopefully, in my time at Kaizer Chiefs, we will be able to unearth and develop the next Doctor Khumalos, Ace Khuses, Jabu Pules, Tinashe Nengomashas. 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.”

The 64-year-old cut his coaching teeth as a junior coach at the Transnet School of Excellence, where he worked with a youthful Dillon Sheppard, current Chiefs assistant coach.

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.

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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.

Most recently, Johnson was assisting Motsepe Foundation Championship side, NB La Masia.