Kaizer Chiefs coach Cavin Johnson has heaped praise on his players for their “willingness” to play despite the tragic loss of defender Luke Fleurs.

Fleurs has tragically lost his life after being shot in a hijacking incident last Wednesday in Johannesburg, but instead of postponing their DStv Premiership fixture against Chippa, they honoured their commitment in celebration of his life.

Amakhosi did not get the result they wanted after suffering a 2-0 defeat to the Chilli Boys after conceding goals by Bienvenu Eva Nga and Sinoxolo Kwayiba at the Buffalo City Stadium in East London.

The defeat sees Amakhosi drop to eighth place on the log with 30 points after 23 games, while Chippa are placed 10th with 29 points from 23 matches.

Johnson has credited his team for showing their dedication to honour their fixture despite not getting the result they wanted.

“It cannot be ignored that we have had a terrible week, having lost one of our players, yet the team was willing to play, and they deserve a lot of credit for that, after what they have been through during the week,” Johnson told his club’s official website.

Amakhosi currently sit in eighth place on the log with 30 points after 23 games, having won eight games, drawn six and conceded nine defeats in the DStv Premiership and Johnson is keen for his side to hold on their spot in the top-eight.

“We have got to take ourselves out of this position,” he added. “Nobody else can do it for us.”

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