Mamelodi Sundowns out to prove that they belong among world’s best at Fifa Club World Cup

Mamelodi Sundowns have continued to grow in stature both on the domestic front and across the African continent.

As they embark on yet another significant chapter in their illustrious journey, their participation in the Fifa Club World Cup stands as a powerful testament to their sustained excellence over the past decade.

This tournament marks the Brazilians’ second appearance on the global stage, having previously featured in 2016 under the leadership of Pitso Mosimane, who guided the club to their first-ever CAF Champions League title earlier that year.

Their debut at the Club World Cup presented a stern challenge, as they returned home with two defeats from two matches, offering them valuable lessons about football at the highest level.

This time, however, they approach the competition with greater maturity and deeper continental experience.

As the tournament unfolds, three key elements could be vital to their prospects in the United States...

Key veteran figures

Among the current Sundowns squad are experienced players who have not only played central roles in the club’s rise over the last 10 years, but also featured during their first-ever Club World Cup campaign in Japan in 2016.

Thapelo Morena, Denis Onyango and club captain Themba Zwane were all part of that 23-man squad, and their consistency has kept them relevant and influential even today. 

Their familiarity with the demands of this kind of tournament – even through past disappointments – could prove vital, particularly for Zwane, whose leadership will be central in setting the tone for the team both on and off the pitch.

Experience from top-level competition

The current edition of the Club World Cup is historic, being the first to include 32 teams in a format that mirrors the structure of the Fifa World Cup for national sides. 

Sundowns are among the elite clubs competing and will be up against world-class opposition in the group stages, including German giants Borussia Dortmund, South Korean side Ulsan Hyundai and Brazilian outfit Fluminense.

Historically, African clubs have found it tough in tournaments of this nature, with only a few – such as Morocco’s national team at the 2022 World Cup – making it into the semi-finals. 

However, what sets this Sundowns side apart is their sustained exposure to CAF Champions League football, and the fact that several players have also been part of the Bafana Bafana team that recently secured a third-place finish at the Africa Cup of Nations and are currently leading their Fifa World Cup qualification group.

While the level may differ from what they face at the World Cup, the intensity and tactical demands of these competitions will serve them well for their upcoming challenges.

Maintaining footballing identity

Sundowns have forged a reputation for their patient, possession-based style of play, marked by structured build-up and lethal execution in the final third.

This has been a hallmark of their domestic and continental dominance in recent seasons.

As they navigate the global stage, sticking to this identity will be essential.

Tactical adaptability will be required depending on the opposition, but they must stay rooted in the approach that has brought them this far. 

The balance between maintaining their playing philosophy and making necessary adjustments will be critical in their bid to compete successfully in the tournament and continue their growth in the footballing world.