Thlopie Motsepe admits he doubted readiness for Sundowns chairman role

Mamelodi Sundowns chairman Thlopie Motsepe has revealed he was unsure whether he was ready to lead the club when his father, Patrice Motsepe, handed him responsibility in 2021.

Motsepe was 32 when he took charge of one of Africa’s leading clubs. Although he had always expected to succeed his father, he said the scale of the role was daunting.

Speaking on Mamelodi Sundowns TV after the club’s FIFA African-Asian-Pacific CupTM victory over Al Ahli Jeddah, Motsepe reflected on the transition into leadership.

“I’m so grateful that he entrusted me with the running of this organisation when he did, in 2021. I was 32 at the time, but at the time, I wasn’t sure if I was ready for this,” he said.

“At the same time, I didn’t doubt myself. I just didn’t know if I was ready.”

Motsepe said his father understood that he would one day take over because of their shared connection with the game.

“I knew that someday, he would step aside and would want me to take over because he understood the love I have for football. It’s a love he had, why he got to Sundowns. It’s a love we share.”

‘He’s my first hero’

The win over Al Ahli held added significance for Motsepe because he was able to celebrate it with his father.

He recalled watching Patrice’s reaction during the match as Sundowns pursued another notable victory.

“The President is the CAF President, he is the President of all the clubs now, but he was always passionate about seeing the stadium full. He was always so passionate seeing the supporters sing,” Motsepe said.

“At that moment when Khulumani almost scored, I peeked over and looked at him. I knew at this moment, he is happy, he is truly happy.”

Motsepe said embracing his father after the final whistle was a deeply personal moment.

“As a son, I’m proud of everything he has done in football. He’s my first hero. So being able to hug him was a chance to say thank you, we have done it together.”

Motsepe shares credit for Sundowns success

The chairman also credited the club executives and board members who supported him as he assumed the role, including the late Alex Shakoane, Trott Moloto, Dr Rejoice Simelane, Freddy Greaver, Andre Wilkins and advocate Mathube.

“These are the people he grew the club with and when I stepped in, they already knew the standard we had to uphold, but they believed in me, they helped me,” he said.

He also recognised the coaches and technical staff who have worked at Sundowns during his time as chairman: Steve Komphela, Rulani Mokwena, Manqoba Mngqithi and Miguel Cardoso.

“I couldn’t have done any of that, experienced that moment, without the people who helped me get there,” he added.

Motsepe said the Al Ahli triumph belonged to everyone connected with the club.

“As grateful as I am to my father, and I always will be grateful to him, we will do more to make him proud and happy,” he said.

“But I owe a sense of gratitude around me. It’s as much their trophy as it is mine, and the supporters and everyone else in the club.”

The victory gave Motsepe an opportunity to reflect on his progress since becoming chairman at 32, as well as the people who helped him develop in a position he had once questioned whether he was ready to hold.