It's that time of the week where we take a look back on momentous footballing occasions in South African football. On this Throwback Thursday, we take a look at the short lived relationship Mamelodi Sundowns had with world footballing giants Barcelona FC.
In 2009 the two clubs entered a working relationship which saw the clubs exchange technical ideas and believe it or not, development players!
The same working relationship saw former Barca player Hristo Stoichkov take charge of Downs during that period. The deal was called off a year later with the reasons being kept under wraps by the club.
It was in fact world footballing icon, and former Barcelona legend, Johan Cruyff, who brought Johan Neeskens to Chloorkop, underlining the Barcelona/Sundowns connection.
I am sure you guys remember the time when Barcelona graced Mzansi for friendly a match that saw Ronaldinho feature too!
Many clubs in South Africa have ties and relationships with overseas-based clubs. One could look at SuperSport United who has ties with Tottenham Hotspur, Ajax Cape Town and Ajax Amsterdam and Bidvest Wits with IF Brondby.
We can only but hope such a tie is rekindled once again, who knows maybe one day Lionel Messi could be coach of Sundowns!
What do you say, do you think a relationship with a big club would benefit us?
