SAFA wish Mamelodi Sundowns well in CAF assignments

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Thursday May 03, 2018. 13:00

The South African Footbal Association has wished Mamelodi Sundowns the best of luck in their quest to lift their second CAF Champions League trophy.

Sundowns are set to get their group stage assignments underway this weekend as they meet defending champions Wydad Casablanca at home on Saturday.

In a statement, SAFA CEO Dennis Mumble said the Tshwane giants are a dominant force in South African football as they are the only side representing the country in CAF competitions.

Mumble also congratulated the Brazilians for their exploits in the Absa Premiership after lifting their eighth crown with a game to spare.

“We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Mamelodi Sundowns for a sterling job in winning the 2017/2018 league title. What is also pleasing is the way they achieved this feat,” said the SAFA CEO.

“They played attractive football that was great to watch. After losing the title to Bidvest Wits last season, they vowed to claim it back, and they did so in style, with a match to spare. Well done to the Brazilians.

“Sundowns has been the dominating force in South African football, and this was confirmed when they lifted the CAF Champions League in 2016. As we speak, they are our sole representatives in a CAF competition, which is an indication of their commitment of putting the country on the map,” added Mumble.

“By winning the league, they have further entrenched their stay in continental competition, something which will be beneficial to our national teams, especially Bafana Bafana.

“We say to head coach Pitso Mosimane and the rest of the team, good luck for this weekend, South Africa is behind you. Lift the flag higher, and we know you will.”

The 2016 African champions have a score to settle after exiting the tournament in the quarter-finals when they lost to Wydad last season and will host the Moroccans at Lucas Moripe Stadium at 21:00 on Saturday.