Mamelodi Sundowns has extended its heartfelt condolences to the Tsichlas family following the sad passing of Angelo Tsichlas.

Angelo was the husband of former Sundowns part-owner and managing director, and current South African Football Association (SAFA) vice-president, Natasha Tsichlas.

The Tsichlas family played a significant role in running the club from the late 1980s. They remained involved as partners for a period after Sundowns was acquired by the current owner, Patrice Motsepe, in 2003.

The Tsichlases were joint-owners of the club with the Krok brothers, Abe and Solly, from 1990 to 2003. In 2015, Angelo Tsichlas also served a spell as a chief technical adviser for Sundowns.

Patrice Motsepe stepped aside as Sundowns president in 2021 to serve his second term as president of the Confederation of African Football.

In an official statement, Sundowns conveyed their sympathies: “The Chairman and the Motsepe Family, the Board of Directors, Technical Team, Players, Management, Staff, Supporters of Mamelodi Sundowns FC & the entire Yellow Nation express their deepest condolences to the family and friends as we mourn the loss of former Mamelodi Sundowns owner Angelo Tsichlas. We pray that the Almighty God comforts and strengthens his family, friends, business associates, and everyone who knew him.”

During the Krok family’s ownership, in the PSL era, Sundowns achieved significant success, winning league titles in the 1997/98, 1998/99, and 1999/2000 seasons. They also secured the Bob Save Super Bowl in 1997/98 and the Rothmans Cup in 1999/2000.

This was a golden era for the club, with legendary players like Daniel Mudau and Raphael Chukwu at the heart of their success. Sundowns also came close to continental glory, losing the CAF Champions League final in 2001 to Egyptian giants Al Ahly.

The Sundowns statement further added: “Angelo and the Tsichlas family contributed significantly to the South African football landscape and played a pivotal role in the growth of Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club. The legacy, life and memory of Angelo will be carried on by the many lives he continued to touch. May the soul of Angelo Tsichlas Rest in Peace.”

Meanwhile, Sundowns has a crucial match ahead in the FIFA Club World Cup Group F, facing Brazilian side Fluminense at the Hard Rock Stadium on Wednesday [21:00].

A win in this match would secure Sundowns’ place in the knockout stages. A draw might also be sufficient, provided that Ulsan HD defeats Borussia Dortmund, though that outcome is considered unlikely.