Full Name: Dr. Motsiri Itsweng
Date of Birth: 1944
Place of Birth: Bolobedu, South Africa
Profession: Medical Doctor, Football Club Owner, Sports Administrator
Notable Contributions: Co-founder of Mamelodi Sundowns FC, NPSL First Division Promotion, Club Sale to Zola Mahobe (1985)
Early Life and Medical Career
Dr. Motsiri Itsweng was born in 1944 in Bolobedu but grew up in Mamelodi, Pretoria. A brilliant mind and a man of community service, he trained as a medical doctor at the University of Natal in Durban and became a respected figure in both the health and sporting sectors.
Despite a demanding profession in medicine, his love for football and youth development led him to pursue one of the boldest moves in South African club football history.
Founding Mamelodi Sundowns – A Game-Changer in SA Football
In 1979, Dr. Itsweng, together with Dr. Bonny Sebotsane and Joseph “Fish” Kekana, acquired the then Marabastad Sundowns, a second division club. They rebranded it to Mamelodi Sundowns, connecting it directly to the Pretoria township that would become central to its fan base.
Interestingly, Dr. Itsweng was a Kaizer Chiefs supporter.
Through Dr. Itsweng and partners’ leadership and investment:
– The club gained promotion to the National Professional Soccer League (NPSL) First Division in 1982
– They laid the foundation for what would become one of South Africa’s biggest and most successful football clubs
Dr. Itsweng’s dual role as a club co-owner and sports administrator gave him unique insights into both the sporting and operational aspects of building a club from the ground up.
Sale of the Club and Transition of Ownership
In 1985, Dr. Itsweng and Dr. Sebotsane sold Mamelodi Sundowns to businessman Zola Mahobe, whose flamboyant leadership and high-profile signings ushered in a new era for the club.
Though no longer an owner, Dr. Itsweng remained an influential figure in South African sports circles, having laid the groundwork for the success that followed.
Health Struggles and Recovery
In 2020, at the age of 76, Dr. Itsweng contracted COVID-19 during the height of the pandemic. He spent three weeks in ICU, with two weeks on a ventilator due to cardiac comorbidities.
Miraculously, he made a full recovery, crediting:
– His family’s support
– The dedicated medical team
– His own resilience, shaped by years of serving both on the field and in the hospital
His story of survival is now part of his powerful legacy.
Legacy and Impact
Dr. Motsiri Itsweng’s name is forever linked to the origin and rise of Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club. His story reflects:
– Visionary leadership
– Bold investment in black-owned sport during apartheid
– A commitment to excellence in sport and medicine
Today, Mamelodi Sundowns is a continental powerhouse, and Dr. Itsweng’s contributions are part of its foundational DNA.
Summary Profile
Name: Dr. Motsiri Itsweng
Date of Birth: 1944
Place of Birth: South Africa
Profession: Medical Doctor, Football Executive
Football Legacy:
– Co-founder of Mamelodi Sundowns (1979)
– Promoted club to NPSL First Division (1982)
– Sold club to Zola Mahobe (1985)
– Long-time sports administrator
Health Journey:
– Survived COVID-19 in 2020 after ICU hospitalization
Legacy:
– Pioneer of Mamelodi Sundowns’ rise
– Inspirational figure in SA sport and medicine
– Advocate for health, resilience, and sporting excellence
