New Chapter: Mamelodi Sundowns Set Sights on Global Greatness

New Chapter:

Mamelodi Sundowns Set Sights on Global Greatness

“We Have to Shift Our Focus”

Author: xxxxxxx

As the dust settles on a heartbreaking CAF Champions League final defeat to Pyramids FC, the players of Mamelodi Sundowns are already turning their attention to the next challenge — with purpose, belief and a solid hunger to represent Africa on football’s biggest club stage. The Digital Magazine team caught up with Tashreeq Matthews and Neo Maema to talk about the team’s mindset and goals heading into the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

From Disappointment to Determination

The memory of that final loss still lingers — a missed chance at history. But as midfielder Neo Maema sees it, the journey is far from over.

“Starting this season, we had a lot of objectives as a team and individually, but sometimes things do not go the way you plan. Our journey is always about learning and improving. The last two Champions Leagues, we fell short at the semi-final stage. This time, we made the final — so it feels like that second star is getting closer.”

That deep-rooted belief — that the best is yet to come — is now fueling the team’s renewed focus.

“Our full attention is now on the Club World Cup,” Maema continued. “We don’t have the luxury to grieve over the loss, because the Club World Cup is calling.”

A Familiar Face Across the Pitch

For Tashreeq Matthews, the tournament offers more than just redemption — it also brings a personal reunion. The group stage draw has matched Sundowns with Borussia Dortmund, the club where Matthews once played.

“Many of the guys I was with at Dortmund have since moved on or gone out on loan, but there might be one or two still there. I am excited to face them,” he shared.
Grouped with Ulsan HD FC (South Korea), Borussia Dortmund (Germany) and Fluminense (Brazil), Sundowns face a demanding schedule that will test them tactically, mentally and physically.

“It’s going to be a tough tournament for everyone because the best teams in the world are here,” said Matthews.

But neither he nor Maema shies away from the challenge. Their focus is sharp. Their belief, unwavering.

Inside the Masandawana DNA

“When I joined the Club, I immediately saw how much of a team Sundowns really are,” Matthews added. “Before, I only heard about it — but now I have experienced it. We just need to stick to our game and compete.”

It’s this unity — this collective pursuit of excellence — that gives Sundowns their edge. A Club built on structure, soul and style, ready to rise on the global stage. As South Africa’s champions head to Orlando, Cincinnati, and Miami, they carry the hopes of an entire continent.

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