Stars finished third in the league last term to qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup, where they have advanced to the group stages and will next meet MC Alger at Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Sunday.
However, Dikwena have disappointed domestically as they are 11th in the standings and just seven points above the drop zone with two games left.
"We knew that this season was going to be a struggle for us in lot of moments," said Johnson, whose side held top-eight contenders Maritzburg United to a goalless draw at Harry Gwala Stadium on Wednesday.
"Because, how much do you think we spent in our club this year? How much do you think Mamelodi Sundowns spent? How much do you think Bidvest Wits spent? How much do you think SuperSport United spent?
"For me to be competing and I always say, for us to be competing in the CAF Championship [Confederation Cup] in the group stages, I think you guys [media] should give us more credit. Write a little bit more about us.
"But we gave silly games away. In essence, one team that outplayed me this season, completely outplayed me was Ajax Cape Town. The other teams we gave them the points."
With the Confed Cup group stages set to be concluded in July Johnson is aware his men will get little rest heading into 2017/18 but insists this is part of the job.
"Why do you become a footballer, to go on off-season?
"This is not Christmas here, this is not Ramadan here where you get time to celebrate. No, this is the job we wanted."