South Africa Minister for Sports and Recreation Hon. Fikile Mbalula, has acclaimed Mamelodi Sundowns for Saturday’s 3-0 win over Zamalek, in CAF champions league final first leg, at Lucas Moripe stadium, South Africa.
He praised the team, and coach Pitso Mosimane for representing the nation with “distinction”, and flying their flag high, while also acknowledging the fans who showed up in large numbers to support them.
“Mamelodi Sundowns’ win was not just for the football club but for South Africa. They flew our flag high and represented us with distinction. As nation of patriots, South Africans watched the people of the city of Tshwane attended the match in their numbers showing maximum support,” the Member of Parliament said in a statement to media on Sunday, October 16.
The 28,900 capacity stadium, located in Atteridgeville, a suburb of Pretoria, South Africa was a sea of yellow and green, the colours of the hosts.
Fikile pledged full support for the homeboys as they head to Alexandria, Egypt for the ultimate leg at Borg El Arab stadium, on Sunday, October 23.
“We send our congratulatory message to the team, and its coach Pitso Masimone, and pledge our full support as they head into Sunday’s second leg of the African champions league final,” he added.
The “Brazilians” or “Masandawana” as Sundowns are nicknamed, overpowered the five-time CAF champions league winners, Zamalek – thrashing them by Liberian Anthony Laffor and Tebogo Langerman first half goals, before being gifted Islam Gamel’s own goal early second half.
Zamalek coach Momen Soliman subsequently apologised to fans for “mistakes” they made – remaining hopeful of mounting a comeback at home.
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