Rulani Mokwena’s admiration for Kaizer Chiefs counterpart Cavin Johnson

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The two meet in the dugout at FNB Stadium on Thursday night, with The Brazilians on course to clinch the league title if they win, or Amakhosi expected to make a guard of honour – should Stellenbosch FC fail to beat Golden Arrows this evening.

Mokwena explains why he respects Johnson.

“Before I’m a football coach, I’m a football fan – I’m a lover of the game. So, when I get an opportunity to watch our opponents or competitors, I do so a lot,” said Mokwena.

“And then I’ve got a very soft spot for Coach Cavin Johnson. In fact, Coach Cavin Johnson and I were once so close, when he was head of youth at Platinum Stars, that we spoke on the daily.

“I remember one time he called me – I’ll never forget – and he had just called me and hung up the phone, and a few minutes later, called and said, ‘Rulani, are you aware I speak to you on the phone more than I speak to my wife.’

“I remember that, and I don’t know if he remembers that, but I remember him saying that, so I’ve got such a soft spot [for him], I learnt so much from him.”

Ahead of their clash at Soccer City, the Sundowns mentor adds that he wants to see Johnson succeed, but not necessarily at his expense.

“I spent so much time with, I think he’s an incredible human being, and he’s someone that I always wish well for. So, I don’t know if they have been unlucky because I haven’t really watched with that much detail,” he added.

“What would be the message? It’s that we’re playing against a very big team – one of our arch rivals, and we’re playing an important game that we have to go there with humility and a lot of respect.”

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