Latest news with #PatriceMotsepe
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
South Africa's Sundowns make impact felt at Club World Cup
South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns fell short of the last 16 of the Club World Cup after a draw against Brazil's Fluminense (CHANDAN KHANNA) South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns head out of the Club World Cup with their heads high and the firm belief that they have made a mark on the global stage. The club, established in a black township during the apartheid era, drew 0-0 with Brazilian giants Fluminense in their final group game having beaten South Korea's Ulsan and lost 4-3 in a thriller with Borussia Dortmund. Advertisement The day before their clash with Fluminense in Miami, the Sundowns held a community event for under-privileged kids at a park near Fort Lauderdale. While watching former players and Sundowns staff coach the children, chairman Tlhopie Motsepe reflected on the impact the tournament has had on his club. "It's been a wonderful experience to be at the Club World Cup and to be an African club representing our continent on this stage, it's given us so much pride and really we have felt a lot of support from home. The competition has given us a global platform," he told AFP in an interview. Motsepe, who is the son of leading South African businessman and president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Patrice Motsepe, says the notion that the Club World Cup helps give clubs from outside Europe a more international presence, is borne out by his club's experience. Advertisement Motsepe said his club's domestic success, with 18 league titles, and regular involvement in the CAF Champions League, has earned them fans at home and respect across Africa but that the past two weeks has seen their reputation spread and social media interest globally grow significantly. - Global attention - "When it came to attention from supporters in let's say Europe or South America, it was very very rare. We have a social media team that actually track the numbers and where the types of traffic come from our club and it was very minimal from Europe and South America before we came here," he said. "But I heard pundits from Europe speaking about our football club and the way we play the game, we've had supporters from Brazil commenting on our pictures... so for us as an African team from South Africa, from a township, to get the type of attention that we're getting because of how we see the game and how we play the game, I think it's been a wonderful surprise." Advertisement While Motsepe's hope that the Sundowns would beat Fluminense and progress to the knockout stage, was ultimately denied, he says his team have been able to advance the core idea upon which the club was founded. "Our club was founded in the townships of Mamelodi and it was created by two doctors who also wanted to give back to their community," he said. "For us to be here now on this stage knowing that 55 years ago we were created in apartheid as well and our motto was and is 'the sky is the limit'... it was always about playing football to inspire people, inspire our fellow South Africans and Africans to have big dreams, to not limit themselves by the environment or the circumstances that they find themselves in." It is that ambition that led the Sundowns to Mills Pond Park where having connected with the local community, through partners Roc Nation Sports International, they provided an opportunity for kids to engage directly with them. Advertisement "We are able to share the same message and to show people through our football that you know you can be bold and you shouldn't limit yourself, you can compete with the best," said Motsepe. "It's been a very special journey that we've had and it's a special opportunity that we can continue to show Africans but I think people all over the world who are from different backgrounds that you can compete and you deserve to be seen if you have something and an identity to share with the world." sev/mw
The Herald
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Herald
Former Mamelodi Sundowns chair Angelo Tsichlas dies in car crash
Former Mamelodi Sundowns chair Angelo Tsichlas has died in a car accident. A family member, who did not want to be named, confirmed the news to TimesLIVE on Tuesday night. The crash apparently took place on Solomon Mahlangu Drive in Pretoria. Further details have not been established but will be added when available. Sundowns are believed to be preparing a press release. Angelo Tsichlas was the husband of former Downs part-owner and MD and present South African Football Association vice-president Natasha Tsichlas. They ran the club from the late 1980s and remained involved as partners for a time after Downs were bought by present owner Patrice Motsepe in 2003. In 2015 Angelo Tsichlas was appointed a chief technical adviser for Downs for a spell. Sundowns executive: legal and commercial Yogesh Singh could not immediately be reached for comment.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Younes Amgozi among 3 tragically killed in Algeria stadium collapse during MC Alger game
Younes Amgozi among 3 tragically killed in Algeria stadium collapse during MC Alger game (Image via Getty) A happy moment turned into a nightmare during a soccer match in Algiers, Algeria, on Saturday, June 21, 2025. Fans were packed inside the 5 July 1962 Stadium to watch Mouloudia Club d'Alger (MC Alger) play, as the club celebrated winning the league title. But something terrible happened. A part of the upper stands broke, and many fans fell. What was supposed to be a night of celebration turned to horror and at least three families are mourning, and the videos out of the stadium have gained international attention. Algerian health officials report three deaths and more than 70 injuries The tragedy occurred when a barrier broke in the upper stands, sending people tumbling into the seats below. The Algerian Ministry of Health confirmed that in total three people died + more than 70 were injured. In a statement published on Facebook, it was reported that 38 were transported to Beni Messous Hospital, 27 were sent to Ben Aknoun Hospital, and 16 were sent to Bab El Oued hospital. MC Alger later posted on Instagram, mourning the loss of Younes Amgozi, one of their supporters who fell from the stands and died. The club wrote: 'With great sadness and grief… we received the news of the supporter of our club, Younes Amgozi, who passed away after falling from the upper stands of the Olympic Stadium July 5.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo Football officials and leaders react to stadium tragedy The Confederation of African Football (CAF) released a statement expressing sadness. CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe said: 'We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives and the injuries sustained by the football spectators.' Additionally sending condolences to Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, the Algerian Government, and the Federation Algerienne de Football under Walid Sadi, Motsepe. He added: 'We wish those who were injured a speedy recovery and pray to Allah to be with them… CAF will continue to provide whatever help is possible.' The stadium was filled with thousands of fans when the collapse happened. Now, officials are looking into the cause of the accident. Also Read: Patrick Mahomes Vs Lionel Messi Popularity Battle Heats Up As Fox Sports Hosts Declare A Clear Winner For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Morocco World
4 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco Targets 2029 FIFA Club World Cup Hosting Rights
Rabat – Morocco is reportedly among the countries interested in hosting the FIFA Club World Cup in 2029. Spanish sports-focused website Marca said Morocco is taking steps to explore a potential bid to host the tournament. 'Morocco has now formally entered the race for the 2029 tournament,' Marca wrote on Monday, noting that the North African country is exploring bid requirements that signal 'serious intent.' The news outlet emphasized that Morocco's potential bid is independent from its partnership with Spain, with which the North African country will host the FIFA World Cup alongside Portugal in 2030. In addition to Morocco, football powerhouses like Spain and Brazil are also keen to host the tournament, which reflects the 'tournament's elevated status, providing clubs and federations now see it as a crown jewel worth competing for,' Marca concluded. Morocco has hosted several prestigious competitions and is preparing to host yet another major tournament, like AFCON, later this year, and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2030. The country's reputation as a reliable host has drawn widespread acclaim, including from FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), particularly for its world-class sports infrastructure. Earlier this month, FIFA Tournament Sub-division Director Jaime Yarza lauded Morocco's record in hosting major sporting events, describing Morocco's infrastructure as 'exceptional.' 'The infrastructure is modern and professional. Morocco now has nothing to envy from major European countries.' In April, CAF President Patrice Motsepe renewed his frequent remarks, emphasizing Morocco's development in terms of sporting venues. Motsepe attributed Morocco's progress in football to the relentless efforts by the government and Morocco's Football Federation (FRMF) to develop this buoyant sector and contribute to the reputation of the country and its teams, not only in Africa but throughout the world. 'During the CAF delegation's visit to several stadiums in Morocco, they were amazed by the quality of the high-level sports infrastructure,' he noted. CAF chief also expressed pride about Morocco's great achievements in the field of sport, particularly football. Tags: 2025 FIFA Club World CupFIFA World Cup 2030
CAF
4 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
11 Days to Go Before the Women's AFCON: More Nations, Greater Ambitions
Published: Tuesday, 24 June 2025 With just 11 days to go until kick-off, invites you to look back at some of the landmark moments of a tournament poised to celebrate its 1"th edition. Among the most significant recent developments is the tournament's expansion to 12 teams in 2022—a decisive shift in the evolution of women's football on the continent. Women's Africa Cup of Nations: 11 Days to Go Long limited to an eight-team format, the Women's Africa Cup of Nations entered a new era in 2022 with its expansion to 12 nations. Spearheaded by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), this structural reform was driven by a desire to foster greater inclusion, competitiveness, and visibility for the women's game across Africa. This transformation aligns with the 2021–2025 action plan unveiled by CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe during the Ordinary General Assembly in Arusha, Tanzania, in 2021. At the time, the South African leader made his ambitions clear: 'This is a commitment to the players, to the young girls who dare to dream, and to all those investing in the future of women's football in Africa.' The move to a 12-team format paved the way for emerging nations to make their debut on the continental stage. In 2022, Burundi, Botswana, Burkina Faso and Togo all took part in their first-ever WAFCON—a historic opening that significantly raised the overall level of the competition. The new structure, built around three groups of four teams, offers a more intense first round. The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed sides, advance to the quarter-finals. The result: more matches, increased playing time, and an environment conducive to technical and tactical development. On the pitch, the 2022 edition hosted by Morocco proved a turning point. Four teams—Morocco, South Africa, Nigeria and Zambia—secured direct qualification for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, a strong statement of intent from a continent on the rise. The results followed: three of those nations—Morocco, Nigeria, and South Africa—reached the Round of 16, a historic feat for African women's football on the global stage.
