Former Mamelodi Sundowns chairperson Angelo Tsichlas has died in a car accident on Solomon Mahlangu Drive in Pretoria, sending shockwaves through the South African football community.
A family member confirmed the tragic news, although further details surrounding the circumstances of the crash remain under investigation.
Tsichlas, husband of Natasha Tsichlas – former Sundowns managing director and current vice-president of the South African Football Association (SAFA) – was a key figure in South African football for decades.
Together, the couple were at the helm of Mamelodi Sundowns from the late 1980s through 2003, when Patrice Motsepe acquired the club.
A pillar in Mamelodi Sundowns’ golden history
From 1990 to 2003, Angelo and Natasha Tsichlas co-owned Mamelodi Sundowns alongside Abe and Solly Krok, helping steer the club through one of its most formative periods.
Even after the club changed ownership, Angelo remained involved, including a stint in 2015 as chief technical adviser.
Angelo Tsichlas is widely credited with helping professionalise club operations and lay the groundwork for the success Mamelodi Sundowns enjoys today.
Patrice Motsepe pays tribute
Current Confederation of African Football (CAF) president and Mamelodi Sundowns owner Patrice Motsepe expressed his grief in a heartfelt statement:
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mr Angelo Tsichlas, who was an outstanding football administrator and a close friend… 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.”
Motsepe lauded Angelo’s role – along with the Kroks and former owner Zola Mahobe – in shaping the trajectory of Sundowns:
“We are immensely grateful to them for laying the foundations for the current success of Sundowns. Angelo Tsichlas will forever live in our hearts and minds.”
Mamelodi Sundowns and football fraternity mourn
Mamelodi Sundowns released a separate statement echoing Motsepe’s sentiments: “The chair [Tlhopie Motsepe] and the Motsepe Family, the board of directors, technical team, players, management, staff, supporters of Mamelodi Sundowns FC and the entire Yellow Nation express their deepest condolences.”
The club extended prayers for comfort and strength to the Tsichlas family, friends, and associates during this difficult time.
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