Kegan Johannes has transfered across town from SuperSport United to Mamelodi Sundowns. | BackpagePix
HERMAN GIBBS
Local football fans have applauded Mamelodi Sundowns’ decision to sign Orlando Pirates transfer target Kegan Johannes, who has crossed the floor from rivals SuperSport United.
Yesterday, Sundowns named their latest signing on social media with a post that read: “Masandawana, defender Kegan Johannes has joined Bafana Ba Style on a multi-year deal! Let’s welcome our newest addition to the team!”
Pundits and supports say Johannes is a quality centre-back and a shoo-in to replace Mothobi Mvala, who is not a fan favourite. Johannes can also provide backup for Grant Kekana in the heart of the team’s defence.
Johannes also offers leadership material because he previously captained the South African Under-23 team. He has racked up several impressive appearances for SuperSport in the Premiership and domestic cup competitions.
A few days ago, Sundowns announced the signing of the 22-year-old Brazilian striker Arthur de Oliveira Sales from Lommel SK, who plays in the second division of the Belgian football league system. With that purchase, Sundowns have made one of the most expensive signings in Africa.
According to Belgian media, the 22-year-old was bought for R64 million, which makes him a huge signing.
Sundowns have extended Kekana’s contract for another year. The Bafana Bafana defender’s contract came to an end last season. Kekana, the 2023/24 PSL Defender of the Season, will now stay with the Brazilians until June next year.
The big surprise at Sundowns, howeve,r is the signing of former AmaZulu FC and Marumo Gallants coach Romain Folz as an assistant coach. The 34-year-old French tactician, who has recently worked as a performance manager at Fifa, is already in Austria where Sundowns are preparing for the coming season.
To date, Sundowns lost friendlies against German third-tier side SV Sandhausen and Ukraine giants Dynamo Kyiv. However, Sundowns chairman Thlopie Motsepe said the results shouldn’t be a cause for concern for the supporters as the coaches are preparing for something special.
“If there’s any message I want to give to Mamelodi Sundowns supporters at this time, it’s the same thing that I’ve said at the start of every season. Thank you for the support, thank you for always being behind us, and we need you,” said Motsepe.
“Every single season we are going to need you. Every single season, we need them.
“What’s happening at the club is we are trying to be set in the best position possible to have one of the best seasons we have ever had in our history.”
Motsepe said the tough opponents in pre-season will prepare the team for the Fifa Club World Cup in the US in June and July next year.
“You know, there’s a quote, and I don’t want to misquote Muhammad Ali, but it’s a boxing quote that says ‘you train hard so you can fight easy’,” said Motsepe.
“If you look at the opponents we have faced this pre-season, they are strong and challenging football clubs. The results we are seeing now is us setting ourselves up against the calibre that we might find ourselves playing against in the Club World Cup.
“We are stressing ourselves right now so that when the season progresses, we are ready.”
Sundowns play English Championship side Cardiff City at Waldstadion in Westendorf, Austria tomorrow.
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