Mamelodi Sundowns chairman Tlhopie Motsepe has addressed club supporters, staff and stakeholders regarding his future.
He said he wants to pursue academic interests and to grow the Motsepe families business projects on the continent.
The son of mining magnate Patrice Motsepe, Tlhopie was handed the biggest responsibility when his father was appointed Confederation of African Football president in 2021.
Owning a football club and running the continent’s mother body is a conflict of interest and Patrice had to step down as chairman of Sundowns.
The younger Motsepe has done relatively well in the position and he feels it is the right time for him to broaden his horizons.
“I would like to inform you that I have undertaken additional responsibilities on top of my primary role as the chairman of Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club, which will result in me not attending as many football matches as I did in the past,” he said in a statement posted on the club’s website.
“I will be pursuing personal, business and academic interests in Europe, as well as advancing the Motsepe family business ventures on the African continent.
“I am grateful to the supporters, players, coaches, technical team and staff of Mamelodi Sundowns for the excellent work that they are doing.
“On the 23rd of September, I will be attending the Mamelodi Sundowns AGM [annual general meeting], as well as the MTN8 semifinal. I look forward to seeing you at both events and at other matches during the course of the season.”
The statement still needs a bit of clarity and Sundowns staff and supporters will surely be asking questions whether Tlhopie is on his way out of the Sundowns office or if he will be juggling the above mentioned personal interests and also run the club.
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