Key Questions As Johnson Prepares First Chiefs Line-Up

As Cavin Johnson prepares to name his first starting line-up as interim coach at Kaizer Chiefs, Soccer Laduma takes a look at some key questions that could give the former Platinum Stars mentor a bit of a headache. 

Chiefs are away to Golden Arrows on Saturday, looking for what would only be their second victory on the road this season, but Johnson would need to get it right with his line-up to ensure the Soweto giants leave KZN with maximum points and a smile on their faces following another difficult week. Soccer Laduma looks at key questions that Johnson may face ahead of his first match in charge.

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Who starts in goal?

Amakhosi have three goalkeepers who are all capable of starting, but they haven't quite been convincing whenever opportunities have been presented to them. So, the big question as the Arrows game looms is who will Johnson start in goal? Khune was in goal for Amakhosi's last clash in the Carling Knockout against AmaZulu and the experienced coach could be tempted to keep the former Bafana Bafana international in between the sticks. While Khune is yet to keep a clean sheet this season, the 36-year-old has proven this season to be less error prone than Brandon Petersen. 

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Give the younger generation a chance?

Over the years, Johnson has given young players an opportunity to shine and he could be tempted to do the same at Chiefs. The likes of Sabelo Radebe and Mduduzi Shabalala are itching for regular action and they have a coach who has previously given young players an opportunity to shine. Chiefs, though, are under pressure and Johnson might not be able to take such chances just yet, with supporters demanding a turnaround.

Is Luke Fleurs ready?

The former Premiership Young Player of the Season was signed on Thursday, having been training with the team for a few weeks. Fleurs is determined to make up for lost time after struggling at SuperSport, but a concern could be his lack of match fitness. Johnson could be tempted to at least have him on the bench as an option should there be a need to bring him on.

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Is there enough firepower?

Before leaving Amakhosi, Molefi Ntseki expressed concern over the club's scoring problem, with their new strikers yet to find the back of the net this season. Ranga Chivaviro and Jasond Gonzalez are struggling in terms of finding the back of the net and this will no doubt be a concern for Johnson, who has to make a decision on who he can rely on to get the goals for the team. Ashley du Preez, who has five goals in all competitions this season, was missing in Amakhosi's last match against Usuthu and Johnson will be hoping to have him back, having struggled with injury before the Carling Knockout last 16 clash.

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