Heroes’ welcome for Sundowns

Unisa Radio sports journalist Vuyo Macoba shares his impressions of the triumphant return of Mamelodi Sundowns to South Africa.

Mamelodi Sundowns supporters were in full voice on Wednesday morning to welcome back their team from Egypt following their CAF Champions League triumph. I witnessed emotional scenes such as I had never experienced in my career as a sports journalist. These scenes brought back memories dating back to 1995 when Orlando Pirates lifted the same trophy. Then, I was a still young football supporter but I vividly remember the township celebrations when legendary striker Jerry “legs of thunder” Sikhosana famously scored the winning goal in a 1-0 defeat to Ivorian side Asec Mimosas in Abidjan, after the first leg ended 2-2 in South Africa. The song Thina lomhlaba siwu gezile brought the country to its feet as the nation saluted the continental champions.

Vuyo Macoba (third from left) among supporters gathered at OR Tambo International Airport to welcome Mamelodi Sundowns back from Egypt

Fast forward to 2016, and newly crowned African Champions League winners Masandawana arrived at OR Tambo International Airport to a heroes’ welcome from football fans and officials. Their arrival came three days after their heroics in Alexandria where they became only the second South African team to win the top club prize in Africa by beating Zamalek of Egypt 3-1 on aggregate. There was a sprinkling of fans from other Premier Soccer League teams and they set aside club loyalties to join their Sundowns counterparts in celebration of the team’s achievement.

When Coach Pitso Mosimane and his players finally faced the gathered crowd outside the airport‚ emotional fans erupted into spontaneous applause, with the song Ka Bo Yellow raging in loud volume. The victory ended a long wait for Sundowns and South Africa for CAF Champions League glory. The Brazilians last came close to African glory in 2001 but fell short (4-1 on aggregate) against another Egyptian side, Al Ahly, the eight times African champions. It was a remarkable triumph because the Pretoria-based side was eliminated in the final qualifying round in April only to be reinstated when their Democratic Republic of Congo opponents were disqualified.

Sweet victory it was for Sundowns who became R21-million richer (with an additional R700 000 donation from the Minister of Sports and Recreation Fikile “Father Christmas” Mbalula) and secured a place at the Fifa Club World Cup in Japan during December. Coach Pitso Mosimane as well became the first SA coach to lift the continental crown. Speaking, Mosimane said, “We’ll give our best in the Super Cup. Someone said ‘Do not be surprised to see Sundowns in the cup final’. You know me and my attitude; I believe we’ll be there.”

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