15 April 2019 – SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan, has heaped praise on Mamelodi Sundowns after the club reached the semi-final of the 2019 CAF Champions League 5-1 on aggregate.
The reigning PSL champions walloped the Egyptians giants 5-0 at home and lost 1-0 in the return leg on Saturday.
“This was one of the toughest assignments for Mamelodi Sundowns but they passed it with flying colours. It shows that with determination, hard work, planning and good execution, everything is possible. I would like to say well done to them,” said Dr Jordaan.
“We need more clubs in such competitions to keep growing the stature of South African football. Congratulations to head coach Pitso Mosimane and his troops, and all the best in the next round. We are confident they can bring back another star to this country.
“I would also like to thank club President, Patrice Motsepe who has put together a team that is ready to constantly conquer the continent and do the country proud,” he said.
In the semi-finals, Sundowns will play Wydad Casablanca of Morocco.
The SAFA President added that with the likes of Mamelodi Sundowns travelling around the continent and taking part in big tournaments, the national team can only benefit from such.
“We have just witnessed from Cairo what many say is a very tough draw for Bafana Bafana, but I believe to be the best you must beat the best. South Africans thrive very well when the opposition is seen as strong, so I am confident we will do well and get into the next round, more so because we have players who have continental experience, especially those from Sundowns and those playing overseas,” added Dr Jordaan.
“We all saw in 1995 when Orlando Pirates did well on the continent, it rubbed off on Bafana Bafana for the 1996 AFCON – hence I would say it was a perfect draw. The good thing is that we have met all three nations before and had never had problems, and that gives us all hope.”
Bafana Bafana have been drawn in Group D against former champions Ivory Coast and Morocco, as well as fellow COSAFA member, Namibia.