Former Kaizer Chiefs Mentor Spills The Tea: A Lifelong Pirates Fan

Holifil

04 Apr, 2025

A former Kaizer Chiefs coach has surprisingly revealed his undying love for their rivals, Orlando Pirates.
The South African coach admitted to supporting the Buccaneers for years, despite his ties with the Glamour Boys.
In a candid conversation, the manager explained why he's been cheering for the Premier Soccer League giants since his teenage years.

Alright, here’s a twist you might not have seen coming. Cavin Johnson, who once managed Kaizer Chiefs, has admitted to being a lifelong supporter of their arch-rivals, Orlando Pirates. Yes, you heard that right. The guy who was once part of the Glamour Boys' setup is actually a die-hard Pirates fan. Talk about a plot twist, right?

Now, for those unfamiliar with South African soccer, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates are two of the biggest clubs in the country, both based in Soweto. Their rivalry is legendary, and the tension between them is electric. So, imagine the surprise when a former Chiefs coach declares his love for Pirates. It’s like a Yankees manager saying he roots for the Red Sox.

Johnson's journey with Kaizer Chiefs began in the academy, where he served as the head of the program. Eventually, he was promoted to the first-team coach on an interim basis after the club parted ways with Molefi Ntseki last season. Despite his professional affiliation with the Glamour Boys, it seems his heart has always belonged to the Buccaneers.

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Former Kaizer Chiefs coach Cavin Johnson recently revealed his lifelong loyalty to Orlando Pirates in a candid interview. Photo: Phill Magakoe. Source: Getty Images

Johnson’s Confession: A Pirates Fan at Heart

In a recent interview with former Kaizer Chiefs star Junior Khanye on his podcast, Johnson opened up about his true colors. Surprisingly, he revealed that he's been a Pirates supporter since his youth. Can you believe it? The man who once led the Glamour Boys on the field has been secretly cheering for their rivals all along.

Interestingly, during his tenure as the Chiefs coach, Johnson faced Orlando Pirates in a match at the FNB Stadium. Despite leading at halftime, his team ended up losing 3-2. Talk about karma biting back. But hey, maybe deep down, he was rooting for the Buccaneers all along.

"Listen, this might shock some people, but when I was a kid, I've always been a fan of Orlando Pirates. They’re the people's club," Johnson confessed. "Growing up, I always found myself drawn to Orlando. Pirates had this incredible identity with Jomo Sono and so many legendary players. It was something I could relate to."

Why Johnson Chose Pirates Over Chiefs

So, why did Johnson choose Pirates over Chiefs, despite eventually working for the latter? Well, it all comes down to family ties and the club’s rich history. The South African tactician revealed that his brother, Graham Johnson, played for the Buccaneers during his playing days. That connection made it easy for him to gravitate toward the club from a young age.

"They always had a diverse team, and that made it easy for us to connect with them," Johnson added. "Back in the day, if you were heading to Orlando and the police stopped you, you could always say, 'Oh, I’m going to watch my uncle play.' It was a clever excuse, but it also highlighted how inclusive the club was. Pirates always had a variety of players, and that diversity was something special."

Nabi Weighs In: Referee Drama During the Sundowns Clash

While we’re diving into soccer drama, let’s not forget another juicy story involving Nasreddine Nabi, the Mamelodi Sundowns coach. In a recent clash against Sundowns, Nabi opened up about what he told the center referee, Sikhumbuzo Gasa, at halftime. Apparently, Gasa’s officiating left much to be desired, especially during the build-up to Sundowns’ second goal.

According to Nabi, there was a clear offside in the play leading to the goal, but the referee overlooked it. This oversight didn’t sit well with the Tunisian tactician, who made sure to voice his concerns during the break. It just goes to show that even the best coaches can get caught up in the heat of the moment when the stakes are high.