Sundowns chairman Tlhopie Motsepe sets sights on Europe interests

Mamelodi Sundowns chairman Tlhopie Motsepe is set to pursue new ventures in Europe, which will see him attend fewer of the club’s matches.

Motsepe took over from his dad, Dr Patrice Motsepe, in March 2021 when the billionaire businessman was appointed CAF president. 

With Dr Motsepe taking over as CAF boss, it meant he had to step aside from his club duties as per the requirements in the Constitution of the African football governing body.

The holder of CAF’s top position is prohibited from running or owning a football club, as that would be a conflict of interest. 

The Downs chairman has been hands-on since and attended a lot of the club’s matches and activities. But he has since confirmed that he has undertaken an additional responsibility in a letter addressed to the club’s fans, staff and stakeholders.

SUNDOWNS CHAIRMAN TLHOPIE MOTSEPE’S LETTER TO THE FANS

I‘d like to inform you that I have undertaken additional responsibilities on top of my primary role as the Chairman of Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club. This will result in me not attending as many football matches as I did in the past. 

I‘ll be pursuing personal, business and academic interests in Europe, as well as advancing the Motsepe family business ventures on the African continent. 

I‘m grateful to the supporters, players, coaches, technical team and staff of Mamelodi Sundowns for the excellent work they‘re doing.

On the 23rd of September, I’ll be attending the Mamelodi Sundowns AGM, as well as at the MTN 8 semifinal. 

I look forward to seeing you at both events and at other matches during the course of the season.

WHAT MANQOBA MNGQITHI PREVIOUSLY SAID ABOUT TLHOPIE MOTSEPE

Downs’ senior coach Manqoba Mngqithi has previously described him as “principled‚ humble and intelligent”.

“The least I can tell you is that‚ this is one of the best decisions a father can take‚” said Mngqithi.

“Tlhopie is a very good boy. He is very intelligent‚ he is very humble‚ he is very principled and for me, there is no chance that he’ll fail.

“He also has us as adults to assist him and because he is humble it will be easier for him to grasp all the right information that can make him a top leader.”

Under his guidance, Sundowns have won two successive DStv Premiership title twice. They also reached the semi-final of the CAF Champions League.

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