Teboho Mokoena’s goal for Mamelodi Sundowns not only won the CAF Champions League final but could ultimately be worth up to $20 million, or about R327 million.
His goal from inside the box in first half added time secured a 1-1 second leg draw against FAR Rabat of Morocco on Sunday, giving Sundowns a 2-1 aggregate victory.
Winning the African club competition for the second time earned Sundowns a record first prize of $6 million, or R98 million, which is 50 percent more than last season.
Sundowns will now face USM Alger of Algeria in a one off CAF Super Cup match scheduled for 31 October, likely at Loftus Versfeld. The winners will receive $500,000, about R8.2 million.
The victory also qualifies Sundowns for the 2029 Club World Cup, possibly to be held in Morocco. In the first edition last year in the United States, Sundowns earned $12.5 million, or R204 million, despite being eliminated after the group stage. Prize money for 2029 is expected to increase.
Sundowns are the second African qualifiers for the 2029 Club World Cup after 2025 winners Pyramids of Egypt. They will also qualify for the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
The win came as a huge relief to Portuguese coach Miguel Cardoso, who had lost two previous Champions League finals. He was under pressure after Sundowns finished second in the South African league, ending a run of eight straight titles.
Sundowns were captained by national team goalkeeper Ronwen Williams and featured a mix of local and international stars, including Colombian striker Brayan Leon, Brazilian forward Arthur Sales, Chilean midfielder Marcelo Allende, Ugandan goalkeeper Denis Onyango and Zimbabwean defender Divine Lunga.