Itumeleng Khune and Kaizer Chiefs: Cavin Johnson Addresses Reports of Ill-Discipline and Favouritism

Itumeleng Khune and Kaizer Chiefs: Cavin Johnson Addresses Reports of Ill-Discipline and Favouritism

Jarryd Westerdale
updated at November 27, 2023 at 1:39 PM
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  • Itumeleng Khune is said to have been left out of the Kaizer Chiefs squad over indisciple
  • Cavin Johnson has supported his squad, dispelling any talk of unhappiness at Naturena
  • Kaizer Chiefs responded in the best way possible with a win away at Moroka Swallows

A positive result has given Cavin Johnson a way to expel any perceived negativity.

Prior to Kaizer Chiefs' derby with Moroka Swallows, the squad were made out to be a fractured collective struggling to form an identity.

The most alarming narrative centered around Itumeleng Khune's apparent expulsion from the squad for having reportedly arrived for training under the influence of alcohol.

Itumeleng Khune, Kaizer Chiefs, Cavin Johnson.
Itumeleng Khune has remained quiet as Kaizer Chiefs fend off allegations that the goalkeeper arrived for training under the influence of alcohol. Photos: @NalaThokozane and @oscarmahlavani.
Source: Twitter

The win against Moroka Swallows has allowed coach Johnson to allay any fears of discontent, using the performance as a way to indicate a well-oiled unit.

The interim coach has put the incessant talk about his goalkeepers and dressing room down to being part and parcel of being associated with Kaizer Chiefs.

As reported by SowetanLive, Johnson said:

"Kaizer Chiefs, being the big brand they are, I think there are a lot of people that look to take the brand to a lower level. In reality, there is no brand that is as strong as this brand."

Specific questions about Khune's behaviour were not addressed, with Johnson giving a blanket comment on the squad. As reported by TimesLive, he said:

"We don't have any problems within our village of that sort of nature. My dressing room is strong and united. You can see on the pitch that they want to do it for each other."

Chiefs spokesperson, Vina Maphosa, was reported by The Citizen to be aware of an issue but would not verify the seriousness of the claims.

Khune has been an integral part of the Chiefs squad for almost 20 years and has spoken several times about what it would mean to win another trophy with the club.

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Itumeleng Khune facing Kaizer Chiefs exit

Sports Brief recently reported on allegations that Khune arrived at training under the influence.

He is in the the final year of his reign at Chiefs and this season was meant to be a fond farewell.

The Amakhosi hierarchy now have a big decision to make regarding their celebrity goalkeeper.

Authors
Jarryd Westerdale photo
Jarryd Westerdale
Jarryd Westerdale (based in Johannesburg) joined Sports Brief after four years in the community journalism sphere. He is a two-time Alet Roux Award winner and was a finalist in multiple categories at the Forum of Community Journalism Excellence Awards.
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DStv PremiershipKaizer MotaungSouth Africa