Kaizer Chiefs interim coach, Cavin Johnson believes his team is in a significantly better position heading into the upcoming Soweto Derby compared to the first encounter in November. While acknowledging the heightened pressure, Johnson emphasizes Amakhosi's improved structure and recent defensive solidity.
South Africa braces itself for another enthralling Soweto Derby as Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates lock horns on Saturday. The first meeting of the season went the way of the Buccaneers, but Johnson is confident of a different outcome this time around.
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"There's a lot more pressure, no I think you're right the first one was 24 hours, this one is two months so it's gone a lot better than we think," Johnson told the Soweto Derby press conference show on SuperSport.
Johnson took charge of Chiefs under challenging circumstances following the dismissal of coach Molefi Ntseki. Despite the initial whirlwind period when he started as the interim coach, he now highlights the progress made since then.
"We've built over time, we've only conceded one goal, we've had eight clean sheets, we haven't lost in the last eight games, seven games so it gives us a little bit of light that whatever we're building it's getting a lot more solid."
Johnson attributes this defensive stability as a foundation for success.
"And one of my other colleagues said the best way to win a league is to have a good defence so we have that and we're building on it more and we just have to come out and entertain and score goals.
"So, it has been a lot better since the last time I played this derby," stated the former SuperSport United and AmaZulu coach.
Their recent form validates Johnson's optimism. After a difficult start to the second half of the season, Chiefs secured a crucial 1-0 victory against Golden Arrows on Tuesday, their first win and goal of 2024.
While acknowledging the pressure that comes with the Soweto Derby, Johnson's comments suggest a newfound confidence within the Chiefs camp. Their recent defensive solidity and improved structure offer a glimmer of hope for Amakhosi fans as they approach this highly anticipated clash.
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