A Star Is Born

Photograph by Zweli Ndlhovu

Let’s start with congratulations to Ka Bo Yellow, bafana ba style, the Brazilians, Mamelodi Sundowns for winning the CAF champions league (cue boos from Mandela cup winners). They endured tough away trips in order to win this and even though some football fans will refer to their backdoor entry, they still had to play to win plus record books will only say 2016 CAF champions league winners not backdoor entrants. Finally another South African club has the sought after star!

In South Africa we usually think it represents continental trophies and World cups; we never think that a club can put a star for an amazing achievement like winning the league 5 times or winning a continental trophy that is not the CAF champions league (cue relief for Mandela cup winners).

According to Wikipedia the first club to introduce the star in their badge was the old lady, Juventus in 1958 to signify their tenth league title. Who would’ve thought that a trend would start that would ultimately be the ambition for almost every club in the world. The star symbolises a tremendous achievement by a club. This can range from milestone years by a club to milestone league trophy wins or a continental even world achievement.

With that said, I have come to realise that the star represents an achievement that should be celebrated, not having one does not mean the club is lacking or is not a big club on the continent (cue cheers for Mandela cup winners).

I hope the achievement of Sundowns gives current and future PSL clubs ambition to try etching their name on African football history pages. Lord knows local players need to realise there are bigger achievements to aim for on the continent. And that competing across the continent will make them better players.

Good luck! to Sundowns when they face the like of Real Madrid, Club America, Aukland City and Atletico Nacional in the club world cup December. Go show the world why South Africans think so highly of themselves when it comes to the beautiful game.