MEC Maile on the full support they are giving to Sundowns, with memories of 2013 in Cairo

The MEC of Sport, Arts and Culture, Lebogang Maile, says they are leaving no stone unturned in showing their support to the Brazilians. Sundowns, who faced some aviation challenges yesterday, left today for Morocco ahead of their 2nd leg final against ASFAR in Rabat on Saturday. They lead 1-0 from the first leg this past weekend, and Maile says they are fully behind them.

"When Pirates were chasing their second star, and unfortunately it eluded them in Egypt, we went there when Pirates lost one with the then Minister of Sports, Fikile Mbalula. So Gauteng has always been clear that we have to support our teams," said Maile.

READ: Aubrey Modiba – Clean sheet key for Sundowns in Morocco

 "When Pirates won a treble for two consecutive years, in fact, part of their route in celebrating their achievement was the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture. So for us, it's about making sure that the profile of the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture is elevated, and we take center stage in making sure that we coordinate and facilitate.

"And that's why supporting Sundowns in their journey of winning a second star is not an act of charity, but rather a deliberate program on our part to position our province as the home of champions. And we wish them well."

Maile says even though he won’t be travelling with the Brazilians to Rabat, officials from his department will be there, providing full support to the fans who will be in Morocco to support Sundowns, as they look to add to the 2016 title, which they also lifted away in Alexandria, Egypt.

The Gauteng province is also leading in the development space, with the Gauteng Development League (GDL), continuing to be the biggest contributor to the country’s junior national teams. Maile says there are also many academies in the province they will be focusing on.

To ensure the effective and maximum use of the infrastructure available, Maile says the plan is to target at least 10 sporting codes that will be an area of focus at school level and mobilize resources towards that.