Dikwena began their maiden African campaign with a 1-1 draw at home to MC Alger a week ago, and are now in Swaziland ahead of Tuesday afternoon’s clash against Swallows, a side which Johnson believes he knows all about.
“We have done some homework on them,” he told his club’s website. “They play more or less a 4-4-2 system. They are very cagey. They allow you to have it and try hit you on the break. This is a worldwide thing that is happening right now. Everybody is trying to counterattack you so we have to be careful of that. They play football and we hope that they are able to give us a good game of football.”
Ahead of the clash, the Stars squad visited St Mary’s High School in Lobamba, handing out Dikwena gear and giving motivational talks, something which Johnson feels is an important aspect of their travels.
“It’s important that we reach out to communities whenever we travel around the continent especially in Southern Africa,” he said. “We did it in Mozambique when we played the preliminary rounds of the CAF Confederation Cup. You never know one day one of these kids could become an athlete and say that it started the day Platinum Stars visited our school.
“So we are happy and appreciate the love we get.”
Kick-off at the National Stadium is set for 15h00.