Cavin Johnson: Why There Were No Kaizer Chiefs Players in Bafana Bafana’s AFCON 2023 Squad

• There was no player from Kaizer Chiefs in South Africa's AFCON 2023 squad
• Coach Hugo Broos only had midfielder Sibongiseni Mthethwa in the standby list
• AmaKhosi coach Cavin Johson urged his players to be consistent performers

Kaizer Chiefs' interim coach, Cavin Johnson, has spoken of the conspicuous absence of Amakhosi players in the latest Bafana Bafana squad for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023.

Despite South Africa's commendable third-place finish in the tournament, Chiefs failed to contribute more than one player.

Only Sibongiseni Mthethwa was on the standby list.

Johnson, addressing journalists, delved into the underlying issue, stressing the need for AmaKhosi to consistently match the performance levels of other top teams in the country.

He acknowledged the presence of potential national team-calibre players within the club but pointed out the importance of sustained competitiveness to see them don the Bafana jersey.

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"The problem with us is that we just have to compete with the other teams consistently and then our players will be in the national team. We improve, and our players will be on the national team. It doesn’t bother me now, but for sure, in the future, Kaizer Chiefs players will be on the national team,” Johnson said, as reported by iDiski Times.

This comes after the club's lacklustre performance in their recent DStv Premiership fixture against Royal AM on Sunday, at the Harry Gwala Stadium, which ended in a frustrating goalless draw.

The 65-year-old tactician lamented the squandered opportunities, urging his players to elevate their game, especially considering the club's stature.

“We need to be better on the ball because we are not just a normal team. We are a special team, and I want us to play special football. We go away with the draw, and we will take the point, but we need to do better," urged Johnson, as quoted by Times Live.

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With Chiefs currently occupying the sixth spot in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) standings, trailing league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by a considerable margin, Johnson's call for improvement carries added significance as they aim to climb up the table.

Former PSL star backs Johnson

Sports Brief reported that Former PSL star, Robert Ng’ambi, outlined qualities that make Johnson his ideal candidate for the Kaizer Chiefs coaching position.

He was thrown into the deep end with his appointment as interim coach in October 2023.

The Soweto giants are expected to appoint a new permanent head coach before the end of the year.