Dikwena safely navigated the qualifiers to reach the group stage of the competition for the first time, and following a three-match unbeaten run, are brimming with confidence ahead of Sunday’s clash against MC Alger.
“We would like to continue [our good run] in CAF,” Johnson told his club’s website. “Being in the group stages is a completely different competition because it’s home and away and you get points. You can plan a little bit better within this competition. Hopefully we are hoping to do that especially now that we have a lot of games to play.”
Johnson insists his side have done their homework and will be ready for their Algerian counterparts.
“We have a few videos of them,” he said. “We have been analysing the videos. They are a good team. They haven’t lost in the last five games. They are number two on the log in Algeria. They play over the top type of football. We have got to be careful of them as you know north Africans are technically very good. We have to contain them and sneak a goal or two in order to use the home advantage.
“We didn’t fight to get to this part of the tournament for nothing. We are going to make sure that our players are at their best even though it’s going to be difficult. We are going to try our best to make sure that they keep up the momentum.”
The Dikwena coach has urged local fans to come and support his charges in their maiden continental campaign.
“To Dikwena supporters, people of Phokeng and the whole of South Africa, please come out and support because we know that when we go to Algeria, the stadium is going to be full,” he said. “Let’s show that as South Africa, we also can do that.”
Kick-off at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium is set for 5pm.