A cool R75 million for Sundowns after winning the AFL tournament

By Kopano Dibakwane

Mamelodi Sundowns became the inaugural champions of the African Football League(AFL) after beating Wydad Athletic Club 2-0 in the second leg final match played in front of over 90 000 fans at Loftus stadium in Tshwane on Sunday 12 November.

The game was attended by FIFA President-Gianni Infantino, Sundowns owner and CAF President-Dr Patrice Motsepe, South African Football Association(SAFA) President-Danny Jordaan, and other influential football administrators.

Masandawana, as they are affectionately known, lost 2-1 the first leg played in Morrocco last week, thus suffering a setback due to the away goal rule which put Wydad at an advantageous position.

The odds were stacked heavily against Sundowns but they somehow managed to display the most resilient piece of football, forcing Wydad to play defensively throughout the first half.

Peter Shalulile, who was making a return after a long absence due to injury, did what he knows best by scoring the opening goal in the 45th minute of the first half. His goal leveled the score sheet and forced Wydad to rethink their defensive approach.

Sundowns pulled another goal, thanks to Aubrey Modiba, who scored in the 52nd minute of the second half. Modiba’s goal sealed the deal for Masandawana while Wydad failed dismally to create clear chances to score. The game ended 2-0(3-2 aggregate).

In his address to thousands of Sundowns fans, alongside Infantino,Dr Motsepe said that the AFL is a game-changer for African football.

” Today is very special day in the history of South African football. We want to show people that African football is just as good and amongst the best in the world. Part of the African Football League(AFL) is to put money in the pockets of football players, so that they can look after their families and build a future based on more prize money,” said Dr Motsepe.

Infantino said that African football is the biggest winner through the introduction of the AFL.

Sundowns head coach, Rhulani Mokoena, gave a very emotional and teary response after the historic victory.

” I’ve got no words, thank you to Masandawana, this would not be possible without your love and support. A special congratulations to this group of magnificent players. You’ve made history as continental champions and this is only the beginning,” said Mokoena.

Seven other teams that participated in the AFL tournament included; Al Ahly, TP Mazembe, Enyimba, Petro de Luanda, Simba and Eaperance de Tuins.

Wydad will pocket over R50 million as the runner-up, while other teams will pocket about R18 million for quarter finals and over R20 million in the semi-finals.