Mamelodi Sundowns Set Sights on Club World Cup Glory as Trophy Lands in South Africa

Pictures © Sundowns Production

Author: Erica Mathye

The countdown has begun! With just three months to go before the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, preparations are intensifying for Mamelodi Sundowns and head coach Miguel Cardoso, as the team sets its sights on global football glory.

The Brazilians qualified for the tournament through the ranking pathway, earning their place as one of four teams representing the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Excitement reached new heights in early February when the Club World Cup trophy touched down on South African soil during its global tour. For the Sundowns squad, it was a moment to soak in the magnitude of the competition and fuel their ambitions ahead of the prestigious tournament.

For Brazilian forward Lucas Ribeiro Costa, who has been in red-hot form across all competitions, participating in the Club World Cup—Sundowns’ sixth competition this season—is a career-defining moment.lenge, dream big and fight to make history in the United States!

“Being granted the opportunity to take part in the Club World Cup is special for me and every other player in the Club. It is a testament to the hard work we put in every single game. We plan to embrace the moment, enjoy every match and not focus on what could happen afterward. This is a milestone not just for me, but for every single person in the Club and the Mamelodi Sundowns brand as a whole,” Costa shared.

As one of the leaders in the Sundowns dressing room, goalkeeper Ronwen Williams understands the significance of the challenge ahead. For him, seeing the Club World Cup trophy in South Africa was both surreal and inspiring.

“When I walked past the trophy and saw the Mamelodi Sundowns logo there, it gave me goosebumps. It is such a beautiful trophy and seeing it here on home soil means so much. It is amazing to know that we are going to be a part of this tournament as Mamelodi Sundowns and as representatives of South Africa.”

Williams further emphasized the importance of testing themselves against the world’s elite:

“We pride ourselves in being part of prestigious events and tournaments as a Club. One of our objectives for this tournament is to go there and perform at our very best. We are looking forward to it and happy to be competing. It is good for us to test ourselves against the best and hopefully, we can learn and become a better team by the end of the tournament.”

This year’s FIFA Club World Cup marks Mamelodi Sundowns’ second appearance on the global stage, following their debut in Japan in 2016, after being crowned CAF champions that year. While this will be a new adventure for many in the squad, veterans like Themba Zwane, Denis Onyango, Thapelo Morena and goalkeeper coach Kennedy Mweene bring crucial experience from the 2016 campaign. Ronwen believes their insights will be invaluable.

“Players like Denis and Themba have shared their experiences from the 2016 tournament, and now they get to do it for a second time with us. These platforms help you grow as a player and their experience will go a long way in preparing us. Above everything, we are going there to compete amongst the best and learn. We are excited.”

For Bafana Ba Style, this tournament is more than just a competition—it is an opportunity to showcase the magic of South African football on a global stage. With the world watching, Masandawana will be aiming to bring their signature shoe shine and piano football to the tournament, making their mark with their unique style of play.

The journey is only just beginning, but one thing is certain: Mamelodi Sundowns are ready to embrace the challenge, dream big and fight to make history in the United States!

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