Opinion | Mamelodi Sundowns a beacon of black excellence

As Mamelodi Sundowns kicks of its campaign towards participating in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, we are reminded of the profound impact of black excellence in the South African football fraternity.

Born in the heart of the apartheid-era Pretoria, Sundowns’ remarkable journey is a testament to the power of community-driven investment, challenging the entrenched notion that investing in football is unprofitable.

For decades, the South African sporting landscape has been marred by disparities in investment, perpetuating the myth that football, particularly in townships, is not a viable investment opportunity, even for advertising sponsorship avenues. This narrative has been used to justify the lack of resources, infrastructure, and support for football development in black disadvantaged communities.

However, Mamelodi Sundowns’ success story shatters this myth. By investing not only financial resources but also community time, effort, and passion, Sundowns has demonstrated that football can be a profitable and sustainable investment. Their achievements serve as a beacon of hope, inspiring a new generation of young people to take on rue world, not as a way to escape Africa but to participate internationally with pride.

Sundowns’ commitment to developing local talent, promoting African coaches, and fostering community engagement has created a unique model of sustainability. By prioritising the development of black football practitioners, Sundowns has ensured that the benefits of their success are shared equitably, empowering communities and promoting social cohesion.

The implications of Sundowns’ success extend far beyond the football pitch. They challenge the dominant narrative that black-led initiatives are inherently unviable. They demonstrate that with the right investment, support, and leadership; black excellence can thrive in any field and as equals to any counterparts.

As we celebrate Sundowns’ achievements, we must also acknowledge the broader structural challenges that perpetuate inequalities in South African sports. We must demand greater investment in community sports development, the promotion of indigenous sports, and equal opportunities for women. We must recognise the value of grassroots community and social development and investment in them economically, social, politically and other wise.

Mamelodi Sundowns’ participation in the FIFA Club World Cup, from the 14^th of June to the 13^th of July, is more than just a football tournament – it’s a celebration of black excellence, a testament to the power of community-driven investment, and a beacon of hope for a more equitable and just sporting landscape in South Africa.

Let us rally behind Sundowns, not just as a team, but as a symbol of what can be achieved when we invest in dreams and aspirations of communities that seek to tell a good story about themselves to the world.

Celebrating this success also means to learn from their model, and work towards creating a sporting fraternity, and a society, that reflects the diversity, talent, and resilience of our great nation. Written by Lesego Letswalo, a senior researcher at the City of Tshwane.

She writes in her personal capacity.