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Cape Town - South African Football Association (SAFA) president Danny Jordaan has hailed Mamelodi Sundowns for winning the CAF Champions League title.
The Absa Premiership champions recorded a 3-1 aggregate victory over Egypt's Zamalek in the final of the continental showpiece.
'Downs claimed a 3-0 first-leg victory at home, before losing 1-0 in Alexandria on Sunday.
"I would like to congratulate Sundowns for their double achievement - becoming the Champions of Africa as well as qualifying for the FIFA Club World Cup which will take place in Tokyo, Japan from December 8-18," Jordaan told the official SAFA website.
"To club president Patrice Motsepe and coach Pitso Mosimane, I would like to say you deserve all the accolades and you truly led from the front. This is a historical first for a South African club to qualify for the prestigious FIFA Club World Cup."
The SAFA president said the opportunity of playing in the FIFA Club World Cup pits Sundowns up against the likes of world club heavyweights Real Madrid, Athletico Nacional of Columbia and Mexico's Club America.
"I want to wish Sundowns all the best in their next assignment and I am confident they are up to the challenge. They showed their tenacity and technical know-how in overcoming Zamalek over the two legs," said the SAFA president, adding that club success the world over always has positive spin offs on the success of national teams.
"This victory will serve South African football very well and will help in building a competitive Bafana Bafana side which is part of our 'Vision 2022'.
"The success of Spain is mainly because of the dominance of Real Madrid and Barcelona in Europe and globally, so is Germany where the success of Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund has always worked for the betterment of the country’s national team.
"Therefore, it is important that our clubs compete successfully in continental tournaments in order to build successful national teams.
"Generally, all our teams have improved in major tournaments in the recent past and Downs’ victory in the Champions League is clearly the cherry on top.
"In conclusion and on behalf of SAFA and football family, we want to reiterate our congratulations to coach Pitso Mosimane, his technical team, the players and the loyal Sundowns fans; South Africa stands tall on the African continent once again. Well done."
