“More Important Than Starting” — Johannes Reveals The Secret Behind Sundowns’ Bench Dominance

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Kegan Johannes has emphasized the vital role of substitutes following the club’s 2-0 aggregate triumph over ES Esperance on Saturday.

Sundowns have reached back-to-back CAF Champions League finals after their semi-final win over ES Tunis at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. Johannes came on in the second half as a substitute for Thapelo Morena, helping the team see out the game.

They will now face FAR Rabat in a two-legged final next month, with the first leg in Pretoria and the return leg in Morocco.

Johannes emphasised the value of players coming off the bench, saying substitutes can have a decisive impact on matches.

“I think sometimes coming on is actually more important than starting the game,” he said.

“Because when the pressure is high like this, you need to be switched on immediately. That’s something the coach always emphasises. Yes, there are starters, but we also need strong finishers.

“I think we’ve shown that throughout the season—the game against Sekhukhune United away, where the guys coming off the bench made a difference, and against Marumo Gallants at home. Teboho Mokoena came on and scored two goals.

“These are the kinds of things we consider as players as well—that you might be the difference-maker on the day, even if you start on the bench.”

Johannes added that their focus has already shifted to their Betway Premiership clash against Stellenbosch on Wednesday, stressing the need to move on from the CAF victory.

“It’s important to appreciate the win, but we have to move on,” he said.

“We’ve got a league match on Wednesday, so we can’t stay on a high. We need to refocus and get back to the league.”