At the time he left Mamelodi Sundowns, Robyn Johannes had a fall out with Hristo Stoichkov and never got an opportunity to play for the club again.
Soccer Laduma caught up with the retired defender to talk about his time at the club and leaving, even though he did not want to depart.
The years
It was truly amazing. I was 18 when I joined Sundowns, the youngest in the squad at the time. I spent six years at Mamelodi Sundowns. The player and person I became had a lot to do with the years spent at that incredible club.
How the move happened
If I remember correctly, we finalized the deal while I was in Mauritius with Bafana, playing in the Cosafa Cup. Stuart Baxter was the (Bafana Bafana) coach at the time. So, it was crazy, I was with Bafana, finalizing my Sundowns contract.
My first day at Sundowns
It was amazing. Everyone was so welcoming at the club. I was surrounded by all these household names of South African football. I was in awe.
My debut
To be completely honest with you, I don't remember what my debut felt like. But each time I had the opportunity to play, I was proud to be part of that club.
The best player I played with
This is such a tough question. You know Downs always bought big name players. I was so lucky, so honored and privileged to be teammates of some of South Africa's best players. I learnt so much and admired so many of them. Players like Brian Baloyi, Andre Arendse, Surprise Moriri, Esrom Nyandoro, Mike Manzini, Sibusiso Zuma, Godfrey Sapula, Vuyo Mere, Josta Dladla, (Benedict) Tso Vilakazi, Dillon Sheppard, just to name a few. This list could continue. And, of course, having (Mbulelo) OJ Mabizela there, one of my role models in the game. I learnt so much from him on the pitch.
Most memorable moment
There were many amazing moments, but it was always the small things that mattered to me. Yes, we won trophies, had many coaches, played with some greats. But it was the daily lessons, the constant learning. All the highs and lows taught me valuable life lessons. Things like celebrating my 21st birthday at the club with all the staff, as well the players, which the club, along with my parents, planned. I live with those sort of memories for the rest of my life. So special.
Lowest moment
Like I said, I had many lows, many highs. I had many moments where I never played, moments where I was injured. But I think tearing my ACL, that kept me out of football for a year, where the doctors told me I had a 10% chance of playing again. That has to be the lowest, but also something I'm very proud of too.
Why I left
At the time (Hristo) Stoichkov was the coach. We had a bit of a fallout after a game and after this, I never played again that season. I never imagined leaving Sundowns, even Mr (Patrice) Motsepe didn't want me to leave. It was a hard conversation with him. But I was at a age where I needed to continue playing. I just came from a really good season under Trott Moloto where we won the Nedbank Cup and I played a full season and all the games in the Nedbank Cup, including the final against Aces. I even got called up to the Bafana squad after the final. Eventually I moved to Orlando Pirates and won the treble.
