Soweto Derby: Why Johnson needs a win this weekend

Kaizer Chiefs interim coach Cavin Johnson wants to beat Orlando Pirates in this weekend’s Soweto Derby to qualify for Caf tournaments.

Chiefs will meet Pirates in the DStv Premiership on Saturday afternoon and Johnson is desperate for Caf football.

Having lost the first round since taking over at Chiefs, Johnson is aware they must go all out for a win this time around.

The Amakhosi boss hopes the return of veteran keeper Itumeleng Khune from suspension is a massive boost.

CHIEFS WANT CAF FOOTBALL, JOHNSON EYES A SOWETO DERBY WIN

In a press conference ahead of the derby, Johnson says their objective is to overcome their old nemesis.

A win will boost Chiefs as they sit sixth on the log table, they are separated by 13 points from Mamelodi Sundowns.

“Yes, it’s been one of the club’s objectives for a long time now,” says Johnson about Caf hopes.

“And if we’re able to [win] this one on Saturday.

“It would just give you a lot more to play for in ending up as high as we can in the league.

“The league still has a lot more – I think there’s still about 10 or 11 – games left.

“And that’s a lot of games to play, but if we do get a positive result on Saturday.

“Which we’re hoping for, then it will put us into a good standing going into the remaining 10 games in the PSL.”

CHIEFS COACH JOHNSON UPBEAT AFTER KEEPING A CLEAN SHEET

The ex-Al Ahly assistant coach is aware of having confidence ahead of the derby against Pirates.

Chiefs downed Golden Arrows on Tuesday night and the coach is happy with the clean sheet.

“The problem is that we now go into a game whereby we know we have something to hold onto,” adds Johnson..

“Which is a clean sheet, so it gives you a little bit of confidence going into the Derby.

“Yes, we’ve scored some goals – some beautiful goals, especially the last one we scored.

“Which was a magic goal [by Wandile Duba], so it gives the team a boost.”