A frustrated Kegan Johannes finds himself in limbo after his parent club, Mamelodi Sundowns, made a shock U-turn on his loan move to Siwelele FC. Johannes had been on the verge of a crucial loan move to Siwelele FC, a deal that both he and the struggling Bloemfontein club believed was finalised.
He had undergone his medical and was announced by Siwelele, and had even taken part in his first training session with the team on Monday. But in a cruel twist of fate, Sundowns reportedly pulled the plug, recalling the frustrated player to Gauteng.
A source close to the player revealed the devastating impact of the decision. “He knows going back to Sundowns, he’s not part of the coach’s [Miguel Cardoso] plans, and he will literally sit in the stands,” the source told FARPost. “It’s heartbreaking; you can see he’s not been himself in the last couple of weeks.”
HEARTBREAK FOR JOHANNES: SIWELELE MOVE COLLAPSES
The 24-year-old’s desperation for playing time is understandable. After a high-profile move from SuperSport United last season, Johannes has endured a torrid time at Masandawana. He made just two starts and four substitute appearances last season and has yet to feature this campaign.
With players like Khuliso Mudau, Thapelo Morena, and Zuko Mdunyelwa ahead of him in the pecking order, he is unlikely to enjoy regular game time. For Johannes, the Siwelele move was a critical lifeline. After starting three matches at CHAN in August, his transfer to the newly acquired side appeared to be an opportunity to prove his worth and regain his form at a club desperately seeking a defensive boost in their fight against relegation. Siwelele, now sitting in 15th place, saw him as a key part of their rebuilding plan.
Meanwhile, Siwelele successfully secured the signature of Zakhele Lepasa on a free transfer. Lepasa recently left Pirates after five years in the senior team. Following a 2024/25 season hampered by injuries, he will be aiming for a strong season at the club and potentially regain his spot in the national team.
Kaizer Chiefs loaned out their duo of Samkelo Zwane and Happy Mashiane, who are seeking more game time. The two have struggled for minutes at Amakhosi and will hope to impress Seema and make an impact at their new club.
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