Ajax Cape Town coach Roger De Sa has congratulated Mamelodi Sundowns after they were crowned 2016 CAF Champions League winners on Sunday night.

The Brazilians were beaten 1-0 by Zamalek in the final second-leg clash, but they managed to secure the trophy with a 3-1 aggregate score to clinch their first continental title.

The 52-year-old believes Sundowns’ triumph in the African tournament will help build football in South Africa, but he also reserved special praise for coach Pitso Mosimane and chairman Patrice Motsepe.

‘Firstly, congratulations to Sundowns. I think it is an achievement that we all have to be proud of and respect as a fantastic achievement,’ De Sa told the Ajax Cape Town website.

‘I was fortunate to be there a couple of years ago and I know what it is like and how difficult it is … I know their preparation and focus were big heading into this competition, and well done.

‘I think all of us as South Africans and, in particular, the football fraternity can feed off it for sure and hopefully build on it from here. To Pitso and Patrice, congratulations.’

Mosimane’s side has made history by becoming the second South African club to clinch the prestigious CAF Champions League title after Orlando Pirates, who won it in 1995.

Ajax Cape Town will return to the Absa Premiership when they take on Bidvest Wits on Wednesday.

The match at Cape Town Stadium kicks off at 19:30.