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.

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.

The Tsichlases were joint-owners of the club with the Krok brothers, Abe and Solly, from 1990 to 2003. 

In 2015 Angelo Tsichlas was appointed a chief technical adviser for Downs for a spell.

Motsepe, who has stepped aside as Sundowns president while he serves his second term as president of he Confederation of African Football (Caf), sent his condolences to the family.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mr Angelo Tsichlas, who was an outstanding football administrator and a close friend,” Motsepe said in a statement released by Caf.

“My heartfelt condolences to Natasha and the Tsichlas Family. Angelo, Natasha and the Tsichlas family will always have a special place in my heart and in the hearts of the Motsepe Family and the Mamelodi Sundowns Family. We will all support and comfort the Tsichlas Family during this painful and difficult period.

“Angelo and Natasha made enormous contributions with the Krok family and before them [previous Downs owner] Zola Mahobe to the development and growth of Sundowns. We are all immensely grateful to them for laying the foundations for the current success of Sundowns.

“Angelo Tsichlas will forever live in our hearts and minds. May Angelo Tsichlas’ Soul Rest in Peace.”

Sundowns said in a statement: “The chair [Tlhopie Motsepe] and the Motsepe Family, the board of directors, technical team, players, management, staff, supporters of Mamelodi Sundowns FC and the entire Yellow Nation express their deepest condolences to the family and friends as we mourn the loss of former Sundowns owner Angelo Tsichlas.

“We pray the Almighty God comforts and strengthens his family, friends, business associates and everyone that knew him.”