Mamelodi Sundowns chairman Tlhopie Motsepe: "There is no place for violence in the game"
- Peter Kanjere
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Mamelodi Sundowns chairman Tlhopie Motsepe has denounced violence ahead of the South African team’s CAF Champions League semifinal, first leg match against holders Al Ahly on April 19 in Pretoria.
In an open letter to Sundowns fans, Tlhopie Motsepe condemned the violence that flared after the South African team’s home CAF Champions League quarterfinal, first leg match against Espérance de Tunis on April 1, 2025.
“The negative scenes during the Espérance game were a disappointing low point that took attention away from an incredible performance by our players, technical team, and supporters. I am aware—through official reports and direct accounts from supporters who were close to the violence—that we were victims of aggression,” Motsepe wrote.
Fans for the South African champions and their Tunisian counterparts were involved in running battles in the terraces of Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.
Ugly scenes got uglier and it took a Sundowns fan to rescue his Espérance de Tunis counterpart from falling off a stand and averting a potential tragedy. The Confederation of African Football has since fined the Pretoria giants $100,000 for the violence.
Now, ahead of the Betway Premier League champions’ CAF Champions League semi-final first leg match against Al Ahly on Saturday at the same Pretoria venue, Tlhopie Motsepe has urged the home fans to behave.
“I am truly sorry this happened to our members and assure you that security at all future Champions League matches will be significantly improved. Football should be enjoyed by all—there is no place for violence in the game,” he added.
The club chairman reminded the supporters that the team is guided by Ubuntu philosophy, which calls for respect for humanity. Motsepe added: “We must not allow the negative events of the past to shape how we treat our fellow Africans in the future. Our match against Al Ahly should be a celebration of our love and support for our players.”
Sundowns won the CAF Champions League quarter-final first-leg match against Espérance de Tunis 1-0, courtesy of Peter Shalulile's goal. The two teams drew 0-0 in the second leg, propelling the South Africans into the semifinals to date Al Ahly.