What is mamelodi sundowns 24 hour rule

A great question about South African football!

The "24-hour rule" is a well-known tradition associated with Mamelodi Sundowns, a professional football club based in Pretoria, South Africa. The rule states that whenever the team wins a match, the players and staff are not allowed to celebrate or engage in any form of revelry for 24 hours after the match.

The origin of the rule is attributed to the club's former coach, Johan Neeskens, who introduced it in the early 2000s. The idea behind the rule is to maintain a sense of discipline and focus, ensuring that the team remains grounded and motivated, even in the midst of success.

According to the rule, the team is not allowed to:

  1. Celebrate or party after a win
  2. Post victory messages on social media
  3. Engage in any form of revelry or merriment
  4. Take time off or relax excessively

Instead, the team is expected to:

  1. Focus on the next match or training session
  2. Analyze the previous match and identify areas for improvement
  3. Work on their skills and fitness
  4. Maintain a professional attitude and demeanor

The 24-hour rule has become an integral part of Mamelodi Sundowns' culture and is seen as a key factor in the team's success. It's a testament to the club's commitment to discipline, hard work, and teamwork.

Interestingly, the rule has also been adopted by other South African football clubs, and it's now considered a best practice in the country's football community.