Sundowns ready to get off their cloud to preserve their unbeaten record against Stellenbosch

Mamelodi Sundowns may be overwhelming favourites heading into the all-important Betway Premiership clash against Stellenbosch FC at Loftus Versveld on Wednesday, but defender Kegan Johannes is not taking anything for granted.

Sundowns are in exceptional form with the league champions unbeaten in 10 straight matches, whilst also fresh off progressing to the CAF Champions League final for the second consecutive season. 

Equally, Stellenbosch have yet to overcome Sundowns in 15 league encounters. 

However, Miguel Cardoso’s team cannot afford to take their foot off the pedal with Orlando Pirates having overtaken the Brazilians at the summit of the Premiership table whilst they were on continental duty. 

Sundowns now trail Pirates by two points, but they do have two games in hand, and have the opportunity to reclaim top spot with a victory over Stellies. 

“When it comes to winning, it’s about the attitude of the players. From the coach’s side, training and implementing it in the game and the discipline,” Johannes said.

“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,” he said.

“We have a league match on Wednesday so we can’t now forget about it and fly on this cloud. We have to refocus when we play in the league now.” 

A large element of Sundowns’ success both locally and on the continent is due to their immense squad depth. 

Cardoso can call on virtually three players of equal ability for each position, which often offsets injuries or suspensions for key matches. 

Johannes is living proof of this with the versatile defender having worked his way back into the squad, and has since made valuable contributions from the bench. 

The 25-year-old believes that it's an important aspect of the Sundowns’ culture to know that any player can be called at any given time. 

“I think 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,” the former SuperSport United player said.

“It’s something that the coach always emphasises that there are starters but we need to have strong finishers and I think we’ve proven that throughout the season.

“Whether it was against Sekhukhune United where the guys came from the bench to make a difference and against Marumo Gallants at home with Tebza (Teboho Mokoena) coming from the bench to score two goals.”

He also feels that being injury free has allowed him to showcase his immense talent at Sundowns after being heavily linked with a move away from Chloorkop last season. 

"I always felt like I belonged since the first day I stepped in. That was never out of the question,” Johannes said. 

“Me getting more game time is more of a thing that I am not plagued by my injuries and now I am available for selection. And that’s about it, keeping on working hard," Johannes stated.

Kickoff at Loftus Versveld is 7:30pm.