Kaizer Chiefs interim coach Cavin Johnson usually puts a positive spin on events but was in particularly bullish mood in the wake of Tuesday’s 1-0 DStv Premiership victory over ailing Lamontville Golden Arrows, declaring his side “back on track” ahead of their Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates on Saturday.
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Teenager Wandile Duba scored a superb first half goal as Chiefs inflicted an 11th defeat in a row on Golden Arrows, and in doing so moved to within two points of second-placed Stellenbosch FC, albeit the AmaKhosi have played a game more.
"We are happy that we have our eight clean sheets, and we scored a goal. We are back, back on track. We gained three points, whereas last week we lost two points. We are OK. We just have to go on and fight for the next game," Johnson said.
"The biggest thing when you play for Kaizer Chiefs is that you have to be at the top of yourself all the time. You have to play at a certain level all the time. You don't have time to give 80 per cent in this team. You have to play at 100 per cent all the time, and that is why when you look at the league competition and see that we haven't conceded in eight games.
"That is only a little bit of relief for us as coaches. Goalkeepers must make saves, defenders must defend and the strikers must score. In its simplest form, that is how it is in football. But, when you play for Kaizer Chiefs, you have to do more.”
Duba is only 19 years old but showed plenty of promise after being drafted in for the mis-firing Ashley du Preez, scoring a first goal in professional football.
"To judge him on one game would be premature," Johnson said. "But to judge him on the training sessions, the mentality and the attitude he has had at training, then he probably has a long way to go with Kaizer Chiefs.
“He will get some (goals), and on some days, he won't get some. If he stays humble, then I think he will be a good striker."