Former Kaizer Chiefs defender and captain Lucas Radebe says he understands why Amakhosi parted ways with Molefi Ntseki, saying results have not been coming, but he is unsure if Cavin Johnson is the solution.
Ntseki was shown the door on Monday by Chiefs after the board’s review following the loss to AmaZulu in the Carling Knockout Round of 16 last Saturday.
It was the only hope Chiefs had to win some sort of silverware before the turn of the year, but having seen that opportunity go out in smoke, they felt the man at the helm should go.
Chiefs also affirmed in the press release that came in the afternoon on that day that recent results as well as the fans’ attacks on Ntseki were behind the his sacking.
Ntseki has since been replaced by Cavin Johnson, who was head of youth and academy – the same role Ntseki held before he got the job during the off season, on an interim basis until further notice.
“It’s a pity that, especially as a coach or manager, you are being judged on the results,” said Radebe, who left Chiefs in 1994/95 to join Leeds United.
“Obviously the results haven’t been coming and I think coaching a big club like Kaizer Chiefs there are a lot of expectations – it doesn’t matter whether you want to build up or how much time do you need to get the club to the level that everybody can be happy about it.
“It is hard and unfortunately that is what happens in the game of football. You learn and surely it is a big disappointment because obviously you don’t want to see inconsistency into the team, especially bringing managers like that. It takes a while to steady the team.”
Ntseki won only four games of the 13 matches he was in charge in all competitions and that record clearly said he failed at Naturena, and the club’s pain has been made even worse by bitter rivals Orlando Pirates winning the last three cups in the PSL.
Radebe, who joined Chiefs in 1989 and won three league titles for the club, said he wasn’t sure whether Johnson is the answer to steady the ship for the Naturena-based club.
“I don’t know,” when asked if Johnson is the answer for Chiefs.
“To be honest, for me I’m not sure anymore because this is a big brand – Kaizer Chiefs and there are a lot of expectations for the club.
“I think everybody knows its massive club that needs a big push – it needs character, it needs attitude to get to that [top] level again.”
Johnson’s first game in charge for Chiefs will be away against tricky and fearless Golden Arrows at Mpumalanga Stadium on Saturday (15:30).
