From their home township of Mamelodi to the heart of Pretoria’s CBD, Mamelodi Sundowns turned the capital into a sea of yellow on Tuesday as they paraded their CAF Champions League trophy through the city.
The Brazilians returned from Morocco after defeating AS FAR 2–1 on aggregate to lift the 2025/26 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League title. The triumph marks Sundowns’ second continental crown, adding to their historic 2016 victory and cementing their place among Africa’s elite clubs.
The squad embarked on an open-top bus parade through Tshwane, drawing thousands of supporters who lined the streets in yellow and navy. Fans sang club anthems, waved flags and cheered as the convoy made its way toward Church Square.
The celebrations reached their peak in Pretoria Central, where Church Square was packed with supporters waiting to welcome the champions home. Officials described the turnout as one of the largest sporting gatherings in the city in recent years.
Founded in Mamelodi in 1970, Sundowns’ latest continental triumph reinforces the township’s long-standing football legacy and strengthens Tshwane’s reputation as a powerhouse of South African sport.
Speaking during the celebrations, city officials hailed the victory as a proud moment for Pretoria and the continent.
MMC for Community and Social Development Services, Cllr Palesa Modise, said the achievement reflects the discipline, unity and consistency required to compete at the highest level of African football.
“This second star is a testament to hard work, unity and the pursuit of excellence. Mamelodi Sundowns have built a legacy that continues to inspire generations and elevate the standard of South African football,” She said.
The 2026 title also comes with a record prize purse of approximately USD 6 million, reflecting the competition’s growing stature.
As players took turns addressing supporters at Church Square, they thanked fans and vowed to continue building on the club’s legacy of excellence.
For Pretoria, and especially for Mamelodi, the parade was more than a trophy tour. It was a homecoming celebration for a club that continues to raise the standard of South African football.