Downs uniting a nation under an African star

For Keegan Dolly it's a case of point and fire when the Downs face Zamalek in their 2016 CAF Champions final encounter on Sunday. Photo by: Gavin Barker

For Keegan Dolly it's a case of point and fire when the Downs face Zamalek in their 2016 CAF Champions final encounter on Sunday. Photo by: Gavin Barker

Published Oct 23, 2016

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My father is a massive Orlando Pirates fan.

You know the type; they have crowed about stars in their eyes ever since Jerry Sikhosana’s thunderous strike brought Africa to its knees in 1995.

Heady days, indeed, especially for those who go through life dressed in black and white. Chiefs fans across the country know just how loud the Soweto neighbours have been about that momentous occasion, safe in the knowledge that theirs is a glory that is uncontested.Not any more. Surely not.

Unless Sundowns are locked in their hotel, and the wheels of their expensively assembled bus taken off overnight, South Africa will have a second, African star on their football crest after tonight.

It’s about time, too. For too long, South African football treated Africa with a fleeting interest, something to do until the PSL gets really tight.

The manner in which Pitso Mosimane – and several of his local adversaries – approach continental competition shows that there is a welcome change. It’s no longer enough to be local bullies.

African stars matter.The wonderful thing about Sundowns’ March to African glory has been the manner it has been received by its local rivals.

To see the capacity crowd last Saturday at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, resplendent ‘Ka Bo Yellow’, was a reflection of the united pride that still bubbles under the replica jersey in local diski.

A win for Sundowns will be theirs to sing about for the next few decades, but it will be a source of South African pride forever.

The importance was re-emphasised by my father and his clique last weekend.

It was Stokvel Saturday. Those who know of these meetings of men and money will know that it is a serious matter.

And yet, proceedings kicked off early last Saturday, so the formalities had been done long before Anthony Laffor launched the arrow that sparked a million smiles.

That there was only one (belated) Sundowns fan in Stokvel attendance didn’t matter.

Last Saturday was a momentous occasion for South African football, finished and klaar.

If creative memory serves, I was almost sure I caught the old man almost jumping for joy when The Brazilians went 3-0 up. But the Buccaneer in him stopped the knees just in time.

Still, the mere fact that the thought crossed his 1995-obsessed mind was telling enough. African stars matter.

– The Sunday Independent

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