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Cape Town - The wording on Mamelodi Sundowns' emblem suggesting "The Sky is the Limit" is now poised to materialise in a more tangible fashion.
This was the sentiment expressed by former Sundowns co-owner and now effective technical director, Angelo Tsichlas, following "The Brazilians" comprehensive 3-1 victory over Kaizer Chiefs in the Telkom Knockout Final at a jam-packed Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Wednesday night.
"Just as significant in that we won the game and ended a six-game hoodoo that Chiefs held over us in PSL Cup finals," said Tsichlas, "was the fact that we comprehensively outplayed them, extended an unbeaten streak to 11 games in all competitions and proved we have truly overcome what was a tricky start to the season.
"Our objectives now," he added, "are to continue this run of form and regain the Premier League title and achieve what has long been a much-sought ambition of the club to annex CAF's Champions League title and become champions of Africa."
Tsichlas is now effectively the link in the overall running of Sundowns' affairs with billionaire and current boss Patrice Motsepe.
The outspoken, go-ahead Greek-orientated soccer official, who first joined Sundowns more than 25 years ago as the bucket-carrying assistant coach to Mario "The Godfather" Tuani and then secured a share-holding in the club along with his wife, Natasha Tsichlas, before selling out to mining magnate Motsepe, says he believes his return to The Brazilians has not only been "a tonic" for himself, but also for the club.
"Almost all the pieces were there for Sundowns to regain the magical stature the club enjoyed in the latter part of the 20th century and early 2000s," added Tsichlas, "but what was needed was an effective link-up between the big man, Motsepe, and the manner the club was managed and run on a daily basis.
"You know Patrice is one of South Africa's leading businessmen and despite his passion for Sundowns simply does not have the time to do everything on his own.
"I believe this is where I have filled a void as the link between coach Pitso Mosimane and the other officials on the one hand and the president on the other - with the direction we intend to take from now on an upward one."
