When images of seven Mamelodi Sundowns players travelling in a private jet emerged last week, the immediate reaction from some supporters was to label their players spoiled footballers living on the softer side of life.
Themba Zwane, Ronwen Williams, Teboho Mokoena, Aubrey Modiba, Thapelo Morena, Grant Kekana and Terrence Mashego posted pictures of themselves on their social media platforms aboard and about to take off in the private plane. They were flying direct from Algeria, where they turned out for Bafana Bafana in their friendlies against Andorra and Algeria, to Tanzania for Sundowns' Caf Champions League quarterfinal first leg against Young Africans in Dar-es-Salaam.
There may have been an element of showiness, but a closer look reveals meticulous planning by Sundowns, who put the wellbeing of their important players top of the agenda. With their intimate knowledge of travelling on the continent, Sundowns officials knew their Bafana contingent was going to be physically and mentally tested by a long trip from Algeria, via Dubai and Johannesburg, to Tanzania. There were also constraints on how much time the players would have to reintegrate with the Sundowns squad and prepare for a huge game for the club.
Bafana's second match against Algeria (3-3) was on March 26 and the players' next assignment against Young Africans, popularly known as Yanga, was four days later — they were going to arrive in Tanzania the day before the match if they didn’t travel privately.
Because of this financially costly but essential arrangement, the Bafana players arrived a day earlier than the rest of their teammates who joined them from Johannesburg and they were ready for the match that ended 0-0 on Saturday night. That result sets Downs up for a place in the semifinals if they get a win or scoring draw in the second leg at Loftus Versfeld on Friday (8pm).
Bafana only arrived back in South Africa on Friday afternoon after they connected in Dubai from Algeria, and that long-haul travel schedule was going to take its toll on the Sundowns players. It was not about the players just enjoying the finer things in life, but in keeping with the high standards that are required for a club that wants to be competitive in the Champions League.
It is a high level that the Brazilians, who won this competition in 2016 and are hungry to do it again, compete in. Coach Rulani Mokwena pointed out that the practice of players travelling in private jets is common for big clubs juggling domestic and continental ambitions around the world.
Sundowns, who won the inaugural African Football League in November, are playing in a staggering six competitions and are on course to rack up more than 60 matches in 2023-24. They need to do everything required to make that programme manageable, especially so if they are to attain their dream of another Champions League title this campaign.
“It’s done all over the world. In fact, what the teams are now doing is to collaborate. You will find South American players of Manchester City on the same flight as those of Liverpool, for example,” Mokwena said.
“They collaborate in chartered and private flight transportation so that players get back to their clubs as quickly as possible because preparation time is so important. With such a limited time, you have to look for these means of travelling.”
Mokwena said he did not request the private jet arrangement for players, which was the club management's idea.
“We have to extend our gratitude for the support that we get from the football club and the Motsepe family because these types of things cost money. Our chair [Tlhopie Motsepe] is so supportive in these types of situations and we have to thank him and the board for extending a helping hand.
“In fact, it didn’t come from me but came from the club to suggest it and you have to appreciate that they give the players so much support. That’s all I can say; whatever you do at Sundonws you get judged and there will always be a comment. It is done all over the world.”
Just before the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), Cameroon goalkeeper André Onana flew on a private jet to link up with his teammates after he delayed his arrival in the Ivory Coast to play for Manchester United. Other top international players post pictures in private jets, especially after international matches so that they can return to the clubs with ease due to a short turnaround in matches.
Another sign of Downs' seriousness in the Champions League this season came on their return to South Africa. Mokwena made 11 changes for the Brazilians' DStv Premiership match against Richards Bay FC.
Sundowns have signed big under Mokwena as he tries to build a squad that can bring a second star over the badge. It is another practice that can draw criticism from especially rival fans, who say Downs buy everything, leaving little room for competitiveness domestically. Like the jet, going big in the market for the best players locally and scouring for class internationally is the practicality of what is needed if Sundowns want to not just compete with, but eventually again conquer, the best in Africa.
As the saying goes, or rather, might go, if you want to soar with eagles, hire a jet.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.