Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena has insisted Kaizer Chiefs caretaker coach Cavin Johnson doesn’t get enough respect in South Africa.
Mokwena, who knows Johnson from both their time at Platinum Stars, handed Johnson the heaviest defeat of his coaching career when his side thumped Amakhosi 5-1 at home on Thursday to wrap up their seventh successive league title.
After the match, Mokwena pleaded for more respect for Johnson for everything he has done for South African football in the past.
“It’s bittersweet, because I admire him a lot, a lot. I think he’s done incredible work,” he told journalists.
“And maybe it doesn’t get [praised enough]. But it’s like that in South Africa, isn’t it? We don’t respect our own. I don’t think he gets the respect he deserves.
“I mean, the guy has produced so many top, top professional football players. He’s coached at Platinum Stars, SuperSport. He’s won trophies, he’s really done incredible work for this country.
“And he’s an incredible human being, I think the Kaizer Chiefs staff can attest to that he is a very, very good person.
“I’ve always said that I don’t want to be a good coach, if I can’t be a good human being. And that is, that is where I am.
“So it’s very difficult, as you say it’s a bit bittersweet, but it’s football, and I’m sure he also understands.”
