Sundowns To Arrive On Monday, To Parade CCL On Tuesday
Mamelodi Sundowns are bringing the heavy metal back to South Africa. Fresh from capturing their second CAF Champions League crown, the newly crowned kings of Africa land in Johannesburg late Monday night ahead of a massive, multi-city celebratory trophy parade on Tuesday.
The Brazilians conquered the continent in dramatic fashion, grinding out a 1-1 draw against AS FAR (FAR Rabat) at a hostile, deafening Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah on Sunday to secure a 2-1 aggregate victory.
Sundowns entered the second leg carrying a slender 1-0 advantage courtesy of Aubrey Modiba’s brilliant free kick in Pretoria last weekend. However, that cushion evaporated when AS FAR captain Mohamed Hrimat leveled the aggregate score from the penalty spot, sending the Rabat crowd into a frenzy.
Then came a moment of pure magic from Teboho Mokoena. The midfield dynamic unleashed a blistering, long-range equalizer that rattled the underside of the crossbar and left goalkeeper Ahmed Tagnaouti completely helpless, ultimately sealing the championship.
Making South African Football History
With this triumph, Sundowns become the first South African club to win Africa’s holy grail twice, adding a second star to the historic maiden title captured under legendary coach Pitso Mosimane in 2016.
The continental glory arrived as the perfect antidote to domestic heartbreak. Just 24 hours earlier, arch-rivals Orlando Pirates had officially snatched the domestic league title away from Chloorkop—a setback that occurred while Miguel Cardoso’s men were already on the ground preparing in Morocco.
For head coach Cardoso, it was a case of third time lucky. The Portuguese tactician finally broke his continental curse after suffering agonizing defeats in the final over the past two consecutive seasons—first with ES Tunis and then with Sundowns last year.
“Sundowns will arrive at OR Tambo International Airport on Monday night between 20:00 and 22:00,” the club confirmed in an official statement.
“There will be mixed-zone interviews on arrival with selected players. The trophy tour is scheduled for Tuesday, 26 May, featuring two main routes through Mamelodi and Ga-Rankuwa, before concluding at Church Square in Pretoria in the afternoon.”
Global Stages and a Massive Payday
Beyond the immense prestige, the victory secures Sundowns a staggering $6 million (around R110 million) continental payout.
The triumph also guarantees them a lucrative global footprint. The Brazilians have officially booked their ticket to the FIFA Intercontinental Cup later this year, alongside a spot in the highly anticipated, expanded 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.
