Chiefs’ Ntseki gives very brief answer on ‘new chief in town’

Kaizer Chiefs’ coach, Molefi Ntseki, is known for his composure, even in challenging situations or when fielding questions from the media. 

ALSO READ: Chiefs announce new business venture, expand revenue sources

He typically elaborates on his responses to ensure clarity and minimize space for misunderstandings. 

However, when asked about the arrival of the experienced Cavin Johnson at Chiefs, Ntseki’s response was remarkably brief.

“On the one of Cavin Johnson, the club made a statement,” Ntseki succinctly stated in response to the question about Johnson’s appointment.

Johnson, a seasoned coach with experience at various local clubs and a two-year stint as an assistant to Pitso Mosimane at Al Ahly, joined Chiefs last week. 

His appointment was announced shortly after Ntseki faced criticism from hostile Chiefs fans who threw objects at him following a 1-0 loss to SuperSport United at Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Johnson was brought in to fill the position left vacant when Ntseki assumed the role of head coach, succeeding Arthur Zwane in June. 

Ntseki provided limited details, saying, “The club made a statement to say he is being appointed as head of technical and scouting.

“And that is all I would say about him. The club made a very official statement to say there is a new chief in the house as head of development and scouting.”

Chiefs’ appointment of Johnson sets tongues wagging

But Johnson’s arrival has sparked speculation about whether he was brought in as a contingency plan should the situation not improve under Ntseki’s leadership. 

It’s not uncommon in South African football for another coach to be initially appointed in such a capacity and later take over as the head coach. 

This trend was recently observed when Cape Town Spurs brought in Sean Connor as a “technical director” at the weekend. 

ALSO READ: Dove puts full focus on Chiefs, aims for full points against ex-club

By Monday, Shaun Bartlett had been relieved of his duties, and Connor assumed the role of interim coach.