Official: Johannes joins Sundowns on permanent transfer

The 23-year-old gifted defender, Kagan Johannes, has left SuperSport United to join the reigning Dstv Premiership champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, on a permanent transfer for an undisclosed fee, SuperSport United confirmed.

Following the 2023–24 season, where Johannes played fewer minutes under Gavin Hunt at SuperSport United, his exit was long anticipated, and he was heavily linked to Soweto giants Orlando Pirates. However, it appears that Mamelodi Sundowns acted quickly and lured him to Tshwane.

Johannes joins Sundowns ahead of a highly anticipated and likely competitive 2024–25 season, following major changes made by several Premiership soccer League (PSL) clubs, including Sundowns.

The former South African U23 captain will be hoping to raise his hand and become a preferred starter for the Sundowns coaches. However, that won’t come on a silver platter, as he is joining a club brimming with talent and facing intense competition.

He joins Sundowns to strengthen Downs’ outstanding and exciting defence line that includes Bafana Bafana’s preferred back four: Khuliso Mudau (29), Grant Kekana (31), Mothobi Mvala (20), and Aubrey Modiba (29).

Thapelo Morena (30), Zuko Mdunyelwa (25), Rushine De Reuck (28), and Mosa Lebusa (31) are among the other players he will compete against.

Johannes is Amasandwana’s fifth signing of the transfer window.

He signed in after coach Steve Kompela, who ditched Golden Arrows to rejoin Sundowns as the senior assistant coach. Other new signings include 19-year-old performance analyst Yardaan Valodia, Kobamelo Kodisang, and Brazilian centre forward Arthur de Oliveira Sales.

Sundowns are currently in Austria, where they have already settled and begun preparations for the upcoming season.

The Premier League has yet to finalise the start dates for the season.