Michael Yormark, President of Roc Nation Sports.
Image: BackpagePix
Roc Nation Sports president Michael Yormark claims he will be the first to celebrate with Mamelodi Sundowns should they win their second CAF Champions League title in Morocco on Sunday.
Sundowns currently hold a 1-0 advantage after the first-leg final at Loftus Versfeld last weekend, and now head to Rabat to close out the title against AS FAR.
Roc Nation Sports, an international entertainment and sports agency founded by Jay-Z, and Sundowns formed a groundbreaking strategic partnership in August 2021 that helped the South African champions elevate its fan engagement, retail presence, and digital strategy, particularly during the Fifa Club World Cup held in the US last year.
“If Sundowns win the CAF championship, it would be a great moment for South Africa,” Yormark told a group of reporters at a select briefing at the Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town.
“It would be a great moment for all of their supporters. A great moment for the players, for the organisation.
“It would be a victory for all of South Africa, and I'll be sending them lots of champagne. I can tell you that.”
Yormark, who also represents Springbok captain Siya Kolisi among a host of other high-profile clients, has seen first-hand the work Sundowns have done in attempting to be the professional-run football team on and off the field - not only in South Africa but all of Africa.
He was planning to meet with Sundowns Chairman Tlhopie Motsepe during his visit to South Africa and believes Champions League success will be just reward for the Chloorkop-based team.
“It's something they've worked extraordinarily hard for,” Yormark said.
“I've seen how hard they have worked. I've seen the time, the effort, and at times the frustration, you know, that goes into this journey.
“And for them to come out on top and to be crowned CAF champions would be a shining moment.
“Not just for them, and again their supporters, and the players, and the organization, but all of South Africa.”
Sundowns are sweating on the fitness of goalscorer Aubrey Modiba after the left-back pulled up with a hamstring injury in the first-leg final in Pretoria, but could welcome back centre-back Grant Kekana from suspension.