Al Ahly collected a point followinga draw against Miami, Esperance De Tunis lost to Flamengo. The global football stage is set, and amidst the clamor of European giants and South American titans, a distinct Southern African roar will echo through the stadiums of the United States.
Mamelodi Sundowns, the undisputed kings of South African football, stand as the sole representative from the COSAFA region at the expanded FIFA Club World Cup 2025, carrying the hopes and aspirations of an entire continent.
“Masandawana,” as they are affectionately known, their presence at this prestigious 32-team spectacle isn’t merely a sudden burst of brilliance. It’s a testament to years of relentless domestic dominance and a calculated accumulation of excellence on the continental stage.
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Sundowns earned their coveted spot as one of Africa’s top-performing teams over a rigorous four-year period in the CAF Champions League, demonstrating a remarkable consistency that few African clubs can match.
While their recent CAF Champions League final ended in a narrow defeat to Egyptian side Pyramids FC – a gruelling two-legged affair – the journey to the final and their consistent presence in the latter stages of African club competitions over recent years underscore their formidable pedigree.
This unwavering consistency has propelled them onto the global stage, giving them a chance to test their mettle against the likes of German powerhouse Borussia Dortmund, Brazilian giants Fluminense, and South Korean champions Ulsan HD in Group F.
Sundowns’ ascendancy is a story of transformation and unparalleled success. Before 2004, the club stood level with Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, each holding four league titles (NDL and PSL).
Fast forward to today, and “The Brazilians” boast an astonishing 15 league titles, including an unprecedented eight in a row – a truly dominant era that has solidified their status as the region’s preeminent club.
The catalyst for this transformation arrived in 2004 when mining magnate Patrice Motsepe acquired a 51% share in the club, later assuming total control. Under his astute leadership, Sundowns quickly reclaimed their winning ways, securing their seventh league title in May 2006 under co-coaches Miguel Gamondi and Neil Tovey.
The acquisition of attacking talents like Khama Billiat (August 2013), and later Keagan Dolly and Leonardo Castro (2014/15 season), bolstered an already formidable squad that included midfield maestros Hlompho Kekana, Samuel Mabunda, Themba Zwane, Teko Modise, and the academy sensation Percy Tau. The tactical infusion, coupled with a deep talent pool, ushered in an era of unprecedented dominance, with Sundowns clinching the PSL title in 2015/2016, 2017/2018, 2018/2019, and 2019/2020, eventually leading to their current eight consecutive league triumphs.
Patrice Motsepe’s legacy extends beyond the club, as he ascended to the presidency of CAF 18 years after buying Sundowns. He has since entrusted the club’s stewardship to his son, Tlhopie Motsepe, aged 31, who is eager to continue his father’s groundbreaking legacy.
Head coach Miguel Cardoso, no stranger to the Club World Cup having previously qualified with Tunisian club Esperance, understands the immense magnitude of the moment.
“After my experience as an assistant coach in UEFA Champions League and Europa League matches, being involved in the Club World Cup is a big achievement,” Cardoso remarked ahead of the squad’s departure. “For me, it’s a very particular position – a clear highlight in any coach’s career.”
Cardoso is acutely aware of the formidable challenge that awaits them, particularly facing a high-tempo, aggressive German side like Borussia Dortmund. However, he emphasizes the immense pride and responsibility of representing not just South Africa, but the entire African continent.
“We know we’re one of the biggest teams in Africa, but this is a test to see where we stand on the global stage,” he stated, highlighting the team’s ambition to compete fiercely without being overwhelmed by expectation.
The Sundowns squad, a compelling blend of seasoned veterans and exciting emerging talent, is primed for the challenge. Names like the experienced goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, dynamic midfielder Teboho Mokoena, and prolific forward Peter Shalulile are set to showcase their abilities on a grand scale.
The timely return of captain Themba Zwane, who was an unused substitute in the recent CAF Champions League final, adds further depth, leadership, and a crucial layer of experience to the squad.
“The Brazilians” will kick off their tournament campaign with a highly anticipated clash against Korean outfit Ulsan HD at the Inter&Co Stadium later this month. This opening fixture in Group F will set the tone for their encounters with global heavyweights Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense.
Speaking to FIFA TV as the excitement around the World Cup builds, Mamelodi Sundowns captain Themba Zwane, participating in his second Club World Cup after Sundowns’ debut in 2016, firmly believes his side will emerge from the newly expanded 32-team tournament as an improved outfit.
“The excitement will be amazing there; they really love football, they support so obviously it will be fully packed. It will be a nice thing for us as players to play on that stage,” Zwane shared, his enthusiasm palpable. “It’s exciting as a player to go into such a tournament, and obviously you want to be playing at that high level and try to see how far you can go and check how far you are as a player and try to compete with the best.”
Zwane’s resolve is clear: Sundowns are not merely in the United States to make up the numbers. He insists they will not be pushovers against Ulsan or Dortmund. “Obviously we are going to watch them, we’ve been watching them, they are a good team, they have good players,” he added.
“We respect them, but we don’t fear them. And yeah, we are going to go there and play our football, try to win the game and match them in terms of quality and the pace of the game.”
Mamelodi Sundowns’ journey to the Club World Cup is more than just a club’s ambition; it’s a powerful narrative of Southern African football striving for global recognition. As they step onto the world stage, “Masandawana” carry the hopes of a region, aiming to prove that their domestic and continental dominance translates into competitive prowess against the world’s elite.
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