Safa president Danny Jordaan has praised Mamelodi Sundowns after the club reached the semi-final of the 2019 Caf Champions League.

The Brazilians advanced to the semi-final of the tournament after claiming a 5-1 aggregate win over Egyptian giants Al Ahly in their two-legged fixture.

Pitso Mosimane’s men will now take on Morocco outfit Wydad Casablanca in the last four of the Champions League.

‘This was one of the toughest assignments for Mamelodi Sundowns, but they passed it with flying colours. It shows that with determination, hard work, planning and good execution, everything is possible. I would like to say well done to them,’  Jordaan told Safa.net.

‘We need more clubs in such competitions to keep growing the stature of South African football. Congratulations to head coach Pitso Mosimane and his troops, and all the best in the next round. We are confident they can bring back another star to this country.

‘I would also like to thank club president Patrice Motsepe, who has put together a team ready to constantly conquer the continent and do the country proud.’

With Mamelodi Sundowns participating in major tournaments across Africa, Jordaan strongly believes that their experience will benefit the South African national team.

‘We have just witnessed from Cairo what many say is a very tough draw for Bafana Bafana, but I believe to be the best, you must beat the best. South Africans thrive very well when the opposition is seen as strong, so I am confident we will do well and get into the next round, more so because we have players who have continental experience, especially those from Sundowns and those playing overseas,’ he added.

‘We all saw in 1995 when Orlando Pirates did well on the continent, it rubbed off on Bafana Bafana for the 1996 Afcon – hence I would say it was a perfect draw. The good thing is that we have met all three nations before and had never had problems, and that gives us all hope.’