Mamelodi Sundowns’ star defender Robyn Johannes is hoping to get 2009 off to a flying start when the Brazilians host Kaizer Chiefs in their first Absa Premiership game of the New Year at the Johannesburg Stadium on Sunday.
Kick-off is at 3.30pm.
Johannes (22) has just signed a new 3,5-year contract that will keep him at the Chloorkop-based outfit until 2012.
”I am glad my contract extension was sorted out and now I can focus on my career and help Sundowns win trophies,” said Johannes.
The soft-spoken central defender has added incentive to do well against Chiefs. He is one of the budding stars that could become a regular in the Bafana Bafana squad and he is keen to put up a good performance and catch the attention of the national technical team ahead of the friendly against Zambia at the Super Stadium on January 27.
Confederations Cup is calling
”This is a big year for Bafana with the Confederations Cup in June. I badly want to be part of the national team set-up. And it is in high profile games against teams such as Chiefs where players as myself will be out to shine and show the national selectors what we are capable of in high pressure games,” he said.
Johannes is looking forward to playing against his former teammate, Chiefs striker Jose Torrealba.
”I was sorry when Torrealba left Sundowns. I rate him as a good person and a top-class striker. He is a handful and will be their trump card … that means I will have to keep him quiet. It will be a good contest.”
Johannes said Downs must put their inconsistent form of 2008 behind them.
”We changed coaches and it has taken time for us to get used to coach Henri Michel, but I am happy to work with him. He is a brilliant coach and it will not be long before he leads us to success.”
Johannes said the championship was still wide open and three points on Saturday would kick-start the Brazilians title hopes.
”Hopefully it will be Downs who rise to the occasion. But I expect a closely fought game.”
Johannes also pleaded with the club management to give troubled defender Mbulelo ”OJ” Mabizela another chance. Mabizela was placed on transfer on Wednesday after failing to arrive for training camp after the Festive Season break.
”OJ is a top defender and both Sundowns and Bafana need him. I know he has had countless chances and I was hoping he would get a final chance as he is such a great player.”
Lots of work ahead
Meanwhile Michel said he was doing his best with his squad and was happy with the progress the players were making.
He added he was confident he could succeed and has made the forthcoming Nedbank Cup a priority.
”We are getting stronger and there is no reason we cannot beat Chiefs and win the remaining cup competition. There are too many similar players in too many positions and that means I have struggled to get a balance and the right combinations on the field. I have a lot of work ahead. But against Chiefs, the team with the most spirit will win.”
He said he had a gentleman’s agreement to coach Downs until the end of the season, but added: ”I will sit down with management at the end of the season and decide whether to extend my stay.”
He refused to say if he intended bringing in new players and wouldn’t comment on the transfer of star midfielder Lerato Chabangu to defending champions SuperSport United in July. Neither did he comment on the Mabizela saga.
There is a possibility that the talented Chabangu could move before his contract with Downs ends in July.
Leaders Ajax Cape Town, who drew 1-1 in a Cape derby against Santos at the Athlone Stadium on Wednesday night to move two points ahead of second-placed SuperSport, travel to KwaZulu-Natal’s Mpumalanga Stadium to face Thanda Royal Zulu.
On Sunday Santos host Golden Arrows at Athlone and Bay United face BidVest Wits at the ERPU Stadium. — Sapa