From Sundowns icon to AFCON winner: Why ‘Mambush’ Mudau still towers over SA football

Daniel 'Mambush' Mudau is the all-time leading goal scorer for Mamelodi Sundowns, having scored 155 for the club during his career from 1992 to 2003.

The striker had 16 caps with Bafana Bafana and was part of the Class of '96 that lifted South Africa's first African Cup of Nations trophy. They beat Tunisia 2-0 in the final.

Mudau said he would've liked more caps. "I played with the greatest. It was difficult. Some of them brought European experience."

Soccer journalist Matshelane Mamabolo, who refers to Mudau as 'my bra', says, "I think our relationship has transcended that of soccer journalist and soccer player because this is a man I’ve seen grow as a player. I've covered many, many of his games. Particularly in those early years when the Premier Soccer League started.

"Mambush, growing to be the Sundowns' captain. The link between the players and us, the media. His availability; he was one of those players who always had time for us as journalists.

"And he always wore his heart on his sleeve. If things did not go well, Mambush was never one to give you bull dust about we were unlucky or whatever. No, he said, 'We did not play well, or we played well'."

"A lot of people, especially from Mamelodi, where you come from. You've been a role model to many, and you continue to be. You are a true legend of South African football."