Kegan Johannes recently made headlines by signing a long-term contract with Mamelodi Sundowns, leaving behind his previous team, SuperSport United.
This transition wasn’t just a straightforward career move; it involved a swap deal with two Sundowns players going in the opposite direction.
Nyiko Mobbie secured a permanent transfer to Matsatsantsa, while Ricardo Goss was loaned to the Swanky Boys for the season.
During an interview with Sundowns legend Hlompo Kekana on the Pitchside Podcast, Johannes shared that it was a fellow player, Rushine De Reuck, who played a pivotal role in his decision to join the DStv Premiership champions.
The Influence of Rushine De Reuck
When asked about the inspiration behind his move, Johannes explained, “It wasn’t even a former teammate, it was a friend.
The one I speak to most often is Rushine De Reuck.”
He noted that while he hadn’t been in frequent contact with his former teammates, he had discussions with Jody February and other players he had previously played with.
Johannes emphasized that the football community is close-knit, making it easy for him to reach out for advice.
“In the football fraternity, we all know each other, we all communicate.
So, it was easy for me to ask one of the guys,” he said.
The Winning Culture at Sundowns
One of the key aspects that attracted Johannes to Mamelodi Sundowns was the club’s winning culture.
“I just asked them how was the environment, and they told me, ‘the environment here is winning’.
That’s the culture of the club,” Johannes shared. This resonated with him deeply as he expressed his own competitive nature, saying, “And that aligns with me because I love to win.
I’m not someone that’s gonna be okay with losing.”
Setting Ambitious Goals
At just 23 years old, Johannes has set ambitious goals for his tenure at Sundowns.
He is not just content with joining the club; he aims to help them reach new heights.
“I want to make history or to write more history than what the club has already written,” he said.
Johannes aspires to win as many titles as possible, setting a standard for other teams and future generations.
He hopes that when people speak of football heritage, they will mention Mamelodi Sundowns.
This move marks a new chapter for Johannes, one filled with promise and high expectations as he looks to make his mark on South African football.