MY VIEW

I’ve always believed that there is a difference between excellence and success. Success is fleeting – it lasts a while and then it’s gone. In contrast, excellence is constant and enduring. From a South African football perspective, Mamelodi Sundowns perfectly encapsulate this attitude. In essence, as a club, their success has been founded on a constant demand for excellence. Because, let’s face it, excellence is a habit. After sweeping all before them to win the PSL title, Sundowns went on to conquer the continent and were crowned African champions. This week, they do the country proud by lining up to participate in the prestigious Fifa Club World Cup in Japan, an event that also features Spanish giants Real Madrid. The excellent Pretoria club opens up its campaign on Sunday with a match against the winners of Japan’s Kashima Antlers and New Zealand’s Auckland City. But, and especially in a country where excellence is often sacrificed on the altar of mediocrity, the Brazilians have been a beacon of outstanding quality and splendid accomplishment. Excellence, they say, is also infectious – so, if anything, the country at large, its government, its citizens, and the entire sporting landscape, would do well to emulate this football club that continually raises the bar with regards to achievement. Let’s salute these Sundowns heroes, like ex-Ajax Cape Town stars Keagan Dolly and Khama Billiat, dashing rising talent Percy Tau and the host of impressive footballers that make up the Sundowns squad. And, on a personal note, I couldn’t be happier for Mitchells Plain defender Wayne Arendse – he is a shining example to young kids on the Cape Flats of just what is possible through hard work, determination and, above all, patience.