South Africans urged to descend on OR Tambo in numbers to give Sundowns welcome fit for champions

25 October 2016 - 19:18 By Mninawa Ntloko

The red carpet will be rolled out for Mamelodi Sundowns at O.R. Tambo International Airport when the new African champions make a triumphant return to SA on Wednesday morning. Coach Pitso Mosimane’s charges won the African Champions League in Egypt on Sunday night after beating Zamalek 3-1 on aggregate in the two-legged final.South African Football Association (Safa) president Danny Jordaan‚ Premier Soccer League chairman Irvin Khoza‚ Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula‚ Gauteng Premier David Makhura and many other dignitaries will be part of the massive crowd that is expected to be in attendance. Safa communications manager Dominic Chimhavi called on all South Africans to descend on OR Tambo and give the Brazilians a vociferous welcome similar to the one Team SA received after the Rio Olympic Games.‘‘Let’s go to O.R. Tambo Airport and welcome back home our history-making heroes‚” he said.‘‘Sundowns deserve the red carpet which we are going to roll out for them.‘‘They are true ambassadors of our Rainbow Nation‚ they have made the entire Mzansi proud and football fans must show their appreciation on this glorious occasion.”Mosimane's charges scaled heights last seen in 1995 when Orlando Pirates won the tournament.Chimhavi said the nation’s soccer lovers should set aside club loyalties and celebrate Sundowns. ‘‘Let’s show our undivided appreciation‚ put aside club affiliation because this accomplishment is not for an individual or for Sundowns only‚” he said.‘‘What Mamelodi Sundowns did should be relished by the entire country. These are moments to be savoured by all patriotic South Africans and I will be there with some of my (Safa) executive committee members to welcome our gallant soldiers."Today we stand on top of the continent‚ thanks to Masandawana!! We welcome you home our esteemed heroes!” - TMG Digital..

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