Thomas Johnson (South African soccer)

Thomas Johnson (1942 – 23 February 2011) was a South African soccer player and manager.

Thomas Johnson
Personal information
Full name Thomas Mhlupheki Maduna kaMchunu
Date of birth 1942
Place of birth Northern Natal, South Africa
Date of death 23 February 2011 (aged 69)
Place of death Johannesburg, South Africa
Position(s) Midfielder
Youth career
Heidelberg Happy Hearts
Springs Home Sweepers
Pimville Real Rovers
Mofolo Dynamos
Moroka Swallows-Mbanya Group
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
Orlando Pirates
1971–1973 Kaizer Chiefs (player-coach) 24 (10)
Managerial career
1973–? Gaborone United
1973–? Botswana
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

He was one of the co-founders of Kaizer Chiefs,[1] the club's first captain and the first head coach of the Kaizer Chiefs team. He also competed in the first ever Soweto derby on 24 January 1970, only 17 days after Chiefs' formation.

Playing career

A midfielder, he played for Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.[1]

Coaching career

Johnson had coaching licenses from Germany, England and Brazil. Johnson attended a coaching courses in Germany and came back with videos to pass on his knowledge to other players.[1] Whilst head coach of Kaizer Chiefs, he won South Africa's national cup competition three times.[2] He was the technical director of Dona's Mates Youth Academy in Orange Farm.[3]

Personal life

Johnson was married to Dimakatso, had eight children, seven grandchildren and on one great-grandchild.

Death

Johnson died from prostate cancer in February 2011.[3] He was buried in Soweto.[4]

References
  1. "Rest in Peace Thomas 'Zero' Johnson". Kickoff. 23 February 2011. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 27 September 2023.
  2. Gleeson, Mark (22 May 2012). "Gavin Hunt can complete cup double, eight years on". Sowetan Live. Retrieved 22 September 2012.
  3. Moholoa, Ramatsiyi (24 February 2011). "Chiefs legend Johnson dies". Sowetan Live. Retrieved 10 May 2019.
  4. "A glimpse of a fallen soccer hero". Daily News (Botswana). 28 February 2012. Archived from the original on 28 November 2012.
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