Ex-Sundowns joint-owner Tsichlas dies; Patrice Motsepe shares heartfelt tribute

CAF President Patrice Motsepe has extended his deepest condolences following the tragic passing of Angelo Tsichlas, former Mamelodi Sundowns joint-owner and chairman.

It has been reported that Tsichlas died in a car accident on Tuesday on Solomon Mahlangu Drive in Pretoria. The ex-Sundowns chairmanwas the husband of current SAFAvice-president Natasha Tsichlas, the vice-president at the South African Football Assocaition (SAFA)

Motsepe, who was traveling outside Africa when he learned of Tsichlas’s passing from Natasha Tsichlas, expressed his profound sadness in a statement issued by CAF on Tuesday.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Angelo Tsichlas, who was an outstanding football administrator and a close friend,” said Motsepe. “My heartfelt condolences to Natasha and the Tsichlas Family. 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.”

The Tsichlas family, alongside the late Krok brothers (Solly and Abe), ran Sundowns from the late 1980s until they sold their shares to Patrice Motsepe. Angelo Tsichlas also served as chief technical advisor at Masandawana in 2015.

Motsepe acknowledged their significant contributions: “We will all support and comfort the Tsichlas Family during this painful and difficult period. Angelo and Natasha made enormous contributions with the Krok Family and before them, Zola Mahobe, to the development and growth of Mamelodi Sundowns.”

He added, “We are all immensely grateful to them for laying the foundations for the current success of Mamelodi Sundowns. Angelo Tsichlas will forever live in our hearts and minds. May Angelo Tsichlas’ Soul Rest in Peace.”

The Tsichlas family has yet to release details regarding memorial and funeral services.