The Premier Soccer League (PSL) acting chief executive Mato Madlala has heaped praise on Mamelodi Sundowns following their qualification for the Confederation of African Football (Caf) Champions League semi-finals.
The reigning Absa Premiership champions secured a passage to the Caf Champions League last four phase with a game to spare after
they laboured to a 1–0 victory against Egyptian giants, Zamalek at the Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe Stadium on 27 July.
The Yellow Machine, as Sundowns are popularly known to their fans, have conquered all before them in the group stages of the Caf competition, beating the likes of Nigerian giants, Enyimba, and Zamalek twice at home and away. They also beat Algerian greats, Entente Setif in a game that was marred by fan violence in Algiers which prompted Caf to expel the Algerians from the tournament.
“We would like to congratulate Mamelodi Sundowns for reaching the semifinals of the Caf Champions League. And to achieve this milestone with a game to spare in the group stages is an impressive feat,” Madlala said.
“Mamelodi Sundowns have been great ambassadors of the PSL, and South African football in general, during this year’s continental club
championship and we commend them for grabbing their chance with both hands.”
She urged South Africans to get behind the Brazilians.”They are now representing all of us, we need to rally behind them as they prepare for their last group match and the two semifinals. It is good to see our clubs doing well in these competitions.”
