Our Monday morning editorial meeting kicked off (pardon the pun!) with some soccer banter after last night’s big game – with editor Lebogang Mashala being an avid Pirates fan, digital editor Maile Matsimela a die-hard Kaizer Chiefs supporter and mlungu managing editor Aletta Pretorius, who grew up with rugby and cricket, not knowing who played (mxm!) 😂
Most South African soccer fans were disappointed with the result, as the local favourite, Mamelodi Sundowns, suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Egyptian Pyramids FC in the second leg of the CAF Champions League final held in Cairo.
African Farming congratulates Mamelodi Sundowns for achieving a significant milestone, as they became the first South African team to reach the CAF Champions League finals three times, surpassing Orlando Pirates, who have reached the finals twice.
Lebogang noted that while the Buccaneers were eliminated from the competition in the semi-finals after losing to Pyramids, the entire nation supported Mamelodi Sundowns in their quest to bring home the title.
“The whole country, except for a few people – mainly from the ninth-ranked team, which I won’t name – rallied behind Sundowns. They were on national duty, and unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be,” said Lebogang.
“Sundowns have had a magnificent run over the years, having dominated and won the South African Premiership eight times consecutively. They certainly deserved a win over the weekend to earn their second star, but better luck next time,” he added.
While many fans are saddened by the loss, some rival supporters in the farming community took to social media to make light of Mamelodi Sundowns’ defeat.
Bush Masiu, a prominent Bonsmara breeder and Kaizer Chiefs fan, posted on Facebook before the game, “CAF Champions League 2nd leg final: Patriotism or Pyramid? Nna ke motho wadi Pyramid schemes” (I’m known for Pyramid schemes).
After the game, he followed up with another post that poked fun at both Orlando Pirates and Sundowns: “Tseo tse Pyramid e di jeleng semi-final le final. Ke tseo Kaizer Chiefs e di jeleng hore e nke Nedbank Cup. Goodnight SA.” This translates to “Whatever Pyramids defeated in the semi-finals and finals of the CAF Champions League are what Kaizer Chiefs beat to win the Nedbank Cup.”
