Cape Town City’s Johannes gets better with age

Robyn Johannes is enjoying playing his football in his home city. Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

Robyn Johannes is enjoying playing his football in his home city. Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

Published Aug 27, 2017

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Robyn Johannes is 31 years old, but readily admits that at this late stage of his career he is playing the best football of his life.

The Cape Town City central defender will anchor the side’s backline when they face Wits in an MTN8 first leg semi-final at Cape Town Stadium today (3.30pm kick-off) and he believes their perseverance and never-say-die spirit will again be crucial if they are to come away with a victory.

Originally from Strandfontein, Johannes left the Mother City at the age of 16 to seek his football fortune up north.

After spending time as a junior with Parkhurst, Strandfontein FC, Wolverhampton FC, Hellenic and Rygersdal, he joined the youth academy at the University of Pretoria.

From there he graduated to play professionally for Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, Golden Arrows, Maritzburg United and AmaZulu.

Last year, he signed for new club City to have his first-ever spell with a top-flight club in the Cape.

“Coming back home was the best thing I could have done,” said Johannes. “I’m in a good place, my mind is at ease, and I have friends and family around me. And, yes, I am currently probably playing the best football of my career.”

Even so, Johannes is fully aware that City face a really tough task against Wits, who stormed to the PSL title last season.

Not only that, the Clever Boys also defeated the Cape side in last season’s Cup semi-finals.

“Wits are a difficult team to play against,” admitted the defender. “They have strong attacking players and, with Gavin Hunt as coach, their style is to go wide and get the crosses in. In fact, you just have to look at their bench to see how strong their squad is.”

@Reinerss11

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