News of the passing of a former Mamelodi Sundowns owner has rocked the football fraternity, coming at a time when the club is making a name for themselves on the global stage.
Angelo Tsichlas, a former co-owner of Sundowns and husband to Natasha Tsichlas, has passed away following a car accident on Tuesday. The accident is believed to have taken place on Solomon Mahlangu road in Pretoria.
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Tsichlas co-owned Sundowns with the Krok in their successful period during the late 90s, running the club until 2003 when Patrice Motsepe stepped in to take full ownership. At the time, Sundowns were dominating local football, winning three Premiership titles in a row with some of the best talent local football had to offer.
Motsepe, now CAF president, paid tribute to Tsichlas in a statement, saying he played a big role in the development and growth of Sundowns as a club.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mr Angelo Tsichlas who was an outstanding football administrator and a close friend. My heartfelt condolences to Natasha and the Tsichlas Family," Motsepe said.
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"Angelo, Natasha and the Tsichlas Family will always have a special place in my heart and in the hearts of the Motsepe Family and the Mamelodi Sundowns Family. We will all support and comfort the Tsichlas Family during this painful and difficult period. Angelo and Natasha made enormous contributions with the Krok Family and before them Zola Mahobe to the development and growth of Mamelodi Sundowns. We are all immensely grateful to them for laying the foundations for the current success of Mamelodi Sundowns. Angelo Tsichlas will forever live in our hearts and minds. May Angelo Tsichlas’ Soul Rest in Peace.”
Sundowns will take on Fluminense in their final FIFA Club World Cup Group F clash and they may intend to dedicate the game to a man who played a significant role in the growth of the club.
