Discipline is often the cornerstone of a successful career in football, but it’s not always prioritized by players.
Many promising talents have seen their careers cut short due to off-field issues, particularly substance abuse.
Junior Khanye, once a rising star for Kaizer Chiefs in the early 2000s, is a well-known example of a player whose full potential was never realized due to such challenges.
However, the story doesn’t end there. Khanye, now 39, has turned his life around over the past few years.
He has launched his own podcast, Junior Khanye Khohlwa, where he reflects on his career and shares insights from other football personalities.
One of his recent guests was former Kaizer Chiefs coach, Cavin Johnson, who emphasized the crucial role of discipline in a player’s longevity.
Following Sundowns’ Example of Discipline
On Khanye’s podcast, Cavin Johnson pointed out that football teams should take inspiration from Mamelodi Sundowns when it comes to maintaining discipline among their players.
He highlighted Themba Zwane, Sundowns’ captain, as a prime example.
Zwane, at 35 years old, continues to perform at a high level, something Johnson attributes to his disciplined approach to the game.
Johnson also acknowledged the influence of Pitso Mosimane, Sundowns’ former coach, who played a significant role in instilling discipline within the team.
“Pitso was always pressing the players to stay focused and dedicated.
It took time, but over the eight years he spent at Sundowns, he managed to create a culture of professionalism and discipline,” Johnson shared.
He also related this to his own experience at Platinum Stars, emphasizing that understanding South Africa’s diverse football culture is key to nurturing discipline.
Lessons from Coaching Experience
Reflecting on his time as a coach, Johnson recalled having players like Robert Ngambi and Henrico Botes, who avoided alcohol and smoking, which he believes contributed to their long careers.
He even mentioned that if he had coached Junior Khanye during his playing days, the outcome could have been different.
“Had you been with us at UJ, we would have pushed you to reach your full potential and you’d still be playing at a high level,” Johnson told Khanye.
What’s Next for Cavin Johnson?
Cavin Johnson’s tenure at Kaizer Chiefs came to an end after he stepped in as interim coach, following Molefi Ntseki’s departure.
As a seasoned coach with a reputation for focusing on discipline and player development, it remains to be seen what’s next for Johnson’s career.
His future moves will surely be watched with interest by football fans, especially those who admire his approach to instilling discipline in teams.
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