Johnson: 'My Image Has Been Tainted' At Chiefs

Jul 17, 2024 - 09:31 am

By SL Journo

Johnson: 'My Image Has Been Tainted' At Chiefs

During his tenure, Johnson faced considerable challenges. Despite his efforts to initially stabilize the team, Chiefs were eliminated early from the Nedbank Cup by Milford and concluded the DStv Premiership season in tenth place.

Overseeing 22 matches across all competitions, Johnson's record stood at six wins, seven draws, and eight defeats. Before his time at Chiefs, Johnson had a successful stint as an assistant to Pitso Mosimane at Egyptian giants Al Ahly SC, where he celebrated CAF Champions League glory and secured a third-place finish at the FIFA Club World Cup.

Reflecting on his time at Chiefs, Johnson expressed reservations about the timing of his appointment. Speaking on the OTW podcast, he stated the following.

"I do think in one moment that the SOS call was too premature for me. If I could do it again, I'd say no. The culture of the team is very different from any other team in the PSL," Johnson said.

Johnson also highlighted the complexities of stepping into a well-established institution like Chiefs mid-season.

"Chairman Kaizer Motaung has built such a big institution over the years and you have to start at the beginning. Give me the job now at the beginning, and I'll tell you what you need to do. I've acclimatised myself with who they are inside and then you'll succeed," he added.

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Looking ahead, Johnson is contemplating his next moves in the football world. He plans to take a short sabbatical but is keen on exploring head coaching opportunities either elsewhere in Africa or back in the PSL.

"For myself, at the moment it's a sabbatical, maybe two weeks but we're looking at doing something as a head coach job in Africa or in South Africa.

"I think I need to… my image has been tainted. If there comes a job as head of the academy in a club that has the ambition to really make superstars, I will do that as well," Johnson said.

Since Johnson's departure, Chiefs have appointed Nasreddine Nabi, formerly of Moroccan club AS FAR Rabat, as their new head coach. As the Glamour Boys embark on this new chapter, Johnson's reflections provide valuable insights into the challenges and pressures of managing one of South Africa's premier football clubs.

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