Kegan Johannes issues reality check to Mamelodi Sundowns

The celebrations following Mamelodi Sundowns’ historic qualification for a second consecutive CAF Champions League final must be cut short. That is the message from versatile defender Kegan Johannes, as the Brazilians shift their focus to a crucial Betway Premiership encounter against Stellenbosch FC at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday night.

Fresh from silencing Espérance of Tunisia, Masandawana find themselves in a rare position: chasing. Currently sitting in second place with 56 points, they trail Orlando Pirates by two. However, with two games in hand and a 10-match domestic winning streak behind them, victory on Wednesday would see Rulani Mokwena’s men reclaim their spot at the summit.

Despite the euphoria surrounding their continental exploits, Johannes insists there is no room for complacency in the Chloorkop dressing room.

‘GET OFF THE CLOUD’ – JOHANNES WARNS SUNDOWNS AGAINST CAF HANGOVER

“I think that’s a moment every player lives for and it’s very important to take in, but we obviously have to move on,” Johannes stated. “We have a league match on Wednesday, so we can’t forget about it and fly on this cloud. We have to refocus.”

Johannes, who joined from cross-town rivals SuperSport United, has become a symbol of the squad depth that defines the modern Sundowns era. While he has often featured as a “finisher” from the bench recently, he believes the role of the substitute is the secret ingredient in their pursuit of a treble.

“Sometimes, coming on is actually more important than those that start the game because when the pressure is high, you always have to be switched on,” he explained. “The coach emphasises that we need strong finishers. We’ve proven that this season—guys coming off the bench to make a difference against Sekhukhune, or Teboho Mokoena’s brace against Marumo Gallants.”

Dominance by the Numbers

History heavily favours the reigning champions. In 15 league meetings, Stellenbosch FC have never tasted victory against the Brazilians. However, with the Cape Winelands side known for their disciplined structure and counter-attacking threat, Sundowns will need to maintain the “one game at a time” philosophy that has kept them unbeaten in the league for over a year.

“When it comes to winning, it’s about the attitude of the players,” Johannes added. “It’s never easy to remain this consistent, but we try our best and look at what we have to do now to better ourselves.”