Former Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates defender Robyn Johannes has explained why the Buccaneers are the most daunting club to play for.
Johannes had a successful career with both Sundowns and Pirates, winning multiple major domestic trophies, including two league titles with Kabo Yellow and a historic treble with the Buccaneers.
Recognised as one of the earliest ball-playing central defenders in Mzansi, Johannes reflected on his own experiences at Pirates and the unforgiving nature of the Sea Robbers’ supporters.
He recalled losing the Telkom Knockout final 3-0 to Kaizer Chiefs and making a ‘shaky back pass’, only to be met at the next training session by fans with placards criticising him.
PRAISE FOR YOUNG ORLANDO PIRATES PLAYERS
He also applauded the current generation of young Pirates players for coping with expectations that, in his words, make it the hardest club to play for in South African football.
“It is hard, that is a hard club to play for,” Johannes said on the Michael Morton Talks Football podcast. “I think that Pirates fans are so demanding.
“So, so demanding. I remember after losing the Telkom Knockout final 3-0 to Kaizer Chiefs. I made a shaky back pass to Moeneeb Josephs. At the next training session, the fans arrived with placards reading ‘no more back passes’… Johannes this, Johannes that, I was so shocked [laughs]…
“Pirates fans mean business. They are so passionate about the club. That is the hardest club to play for,” the former Sundowns defender added. “It is a very heavy badge. And every time you do this [crossbone salute before the game], you really feel it [pressure].
“What the current youngsters are doing is incredible. Performing at that level. Hats off to them. You have to have a strong mentality. You need to have thick-skin, you have to be resilient,” Johannes concluded.
Raised in Strandfontein, Cape Town, his senior career started with the University of Pretoria, also known as AmaTuks (2004-2005). He then moved to Sundowns, where he spent five successful years (2005-2010), winning two league titles. He subsequently joined Pirates (2010-2012), a period that included a loan spell at Golden Arrows (2011-2012).
Following this, Johannes played for Maritzburg United (2013-2014) and then AmaZulu FC (2015-2016). His most notable stint came at Cape Town City FC (2016-2018). He captained the side and won the Telkom Knockout Cup in 2016.
He then transferred to Bidvest Wits for a season (2018-2019) before ending his playing career at Stellenbosch FC (2019-2022), where he also took on the role of captain before focusing on youth football development post-retirement.
By Siseko Gwegwe
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