Rulani Emphasizes: AFL Is Beyond Financial Gains

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena believes that the African Football League (AFL) is about more than just the prize money. The South African team are just one step away from the semi-finals, which would guarantee them a $1m (±R19m) payout.

The AFL offers a staggering $4m (±R75m) prize for the winners, $3m (±R57m) for the runners-up, $1.7m (±R32m) for the semi-finalists and $1m (±R19m) for the quarterfinalists. Sundowns are guaranteed the $1m (±R19m) payout if they win their semi-final match at the Loftus Versveld Stadium on Tuesday evening.

Speaking to members of the media ahead of the game, Mokwena spoke about the level of the competition and why there’s more to it than just the financial rewards.

“From a football perspective, I think the level has been very high,” Mokwena said. “From an organizational perspective and from a tournament perspective, I’ve said that big credit must go to CAF leadership and Dr Patrice Motsepe for this initiative and this brainchild because it’s got a lot of medium to long-term benefits.”

Mokwena believes that the AFL will help African football become more commercially viable and sustainable, and will benefit the youth and member associations of the countries involved.

Sundowns have already secured a 2-0 away win over Petro De Luanda in Angola, and will be hoping to complete the job at home on Tuesday evening.