Mamelodi Sundowns' millionaires struck it rich on the last day of the season with a penalty-shootout victory over Ajax Cape Town in the South African FA Cup final.

A mix of highly-paid stars from South Africa, Liberia, Uganda, Zimbabwe and the Netherlands displayed steadier shootout nerves to win 4-3 on penalties after 120 goalless minutes in southern city Port Elizabeth.

But it was a close call at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium against an Ajax side composed of a Finnish goalkeeper and many youngsters from their academy.

Ajax led 3-1 in the shootout and Abbubaker Mobara rattled the crossbar when given a chance to win the final for the underdogs.

Team-mate Franklin Cale then blazed the first sudden-death penalty wide, leaving Bongani Zungu to strike the cup-clinching spot-kick.

After surrendering the league title to Kaizer Chiefs, Sundowns needed to lift the Cup and justify the vast sums poured into the Pretoria club by owner-cum-mining magnate Patrice Motsepe.

"We controlled the game from start to finish, created chances, but did not take them," said Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane.

"This was a deserved victory, even if a penalty shootout is not the ideal way to achieve success.

"We won the league title last year for the first time in seven years and now we have won the cup for the first time in seven years."

Victory was also a fitting finale for veteran captain and centre-back Alje Schut, who is returned to his native Netherlands.

Ian Taylor, standing in as Ajax coach for suspended Roger de Sa, said he was proud of his young team.

"The boys showed character and determination and played with unity and pride. They are going to reach many more finals."

A US Masters-like green jacket was presented to the man of the match -- Finland-born Ajax goalkeeper Anssi Jaakola.