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.
Victory in our first ever #AFL match! Time to gear up for the return leg! 👆
Petro De Luanda 0⃣➖2⃣ Mamelodi Sundowns (67' Allende, 80' Maseko)#Sundowns #DownsLive #AFL pic.twitter.com/C5v6DXbdmn
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) October 21, 2023
