Mamelodi Sundowns have been cleared to compete in the African Football League (AFL) after an emergency BOG meeting between the 32 Premier Soccer League chairmen.
It was suggested last week that there was an unanimous decision to reject extending the 2023/24 season by the PSL chairmen to accommodate Sundowns’ participation in the inaugural AFL competition launched by CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe.
The objections came around the lack of communication to the PSL over the tournament launch whilst already competing in a heavily congested schedule with the CAF inter-club competitions, Carling Knockout Cup and Africa Cup of Nations this season.
Motsepe stated in his special press conference ahead of the draw that it was out of his jurisdiction to speak directly to clubs or the league association, PSL, due to CAF dealing directly with member associations, which in this case is the South African Football Association (SAFA).
iDiski Times have been informed that Sundowns Legal & Commercial Executive Yogesh Singh was a part of the meeting to clear the air and facilitate common ground to participate in the lucrative tournament, which has been dubbed the Super League of the continent.
Only one objecting chairman was forthcoming throughout but later stepped down and it was unanimously agreed, together with PSL chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza, that after the communication of the scheduling, Sundowns will be able to compete.
It’s likely to see several domestic fixtures rescheduled for Sundowns as the tournament runs between 20 October and 11 November 2023 with the winner set to net a staggering $4-million (R75m) in prize money.
Sundowns kick off their campaign against Girabola giants Petro de Luanda which will likely see their CKO opening against TS Galaxy rescheduled to a later date.
Story by Lorenz Kohler (@Lorenz_KO).
