SuperSport United defender Kegan Johannes.
Johannes, a product of the Ajax Cape Town academy, moved to SuperSport United in 2022 where he became a prominent figure. Despite the challenges of multiple coaching changes at United, including stints under Kaitano Tembo, Andre Arendse, and Gavin Hunt, the 23-year-old defender's career was notably devoid of silverware, a situation he is eager to rectify with Sundowns.
Discussing the influences behind his decision, Johannes highlighted the role of his friends rather than former teammates.
"I won't even say it was a former teammate, it was a fellow friend, one I spoke to the most, was probably Rushine De Reuck. I haven't really spoken to one of my former teammates. Also, I have spoken to Jody February as well. One of the guys I think that I have played with as well," Johannes told Kekana on the Pitch-Side podcast on YouTube.
The allure of Sundowns' success culture was a significant draw for him.
"I just asked about the environment and they told me that it's 'winning'. You just have to win and I think that aligns with my culture as well because, me, I love to win," he added.
As a number of players over the years rose to stardom, clinched silverware after joining Masandawana, the lanky defender hopes for the same but has eyes specifically on the CAF Champions League and a Bafana Bafana spot.
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"When I think about trophies, the number one is obviously CAF, I think that's the biggest one and it's achievable and then obviously the domestic cups and I want to win silverware.
"That's ideally the main goal because with the long-term goal now with Bafana playing qualifiers for the World Cup, I think that's somewhere I aspire towards. I mean, who doesn't want to play the World Cup?" Johannes asked.
He also expressed excitement about working with the national team coaches, having had a positive experience with coach Helman Mkhalele and looking forward to working with coach Hugo Broos.
"I think that's one of my main goals to reach that and be in that environment, just surrounded by it. I have worked with coach Helman (Mkhalele), it's been fantastic. I have never worked with coach Hugo (Broos) and I'm looking forward to that because I've heard a lot of good things," continued the defender.
As Johannes transitions to Sundowns, his focus is clear: to contribute to the team's success and achieve his personal ambitions on both the domestic and African stages.
