Ronwen Williams Reflects on Mamelodi Sundowns’ Historic FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Draw

Author: Natashe Hove

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 draw has set the stage for an electrifying tournament and Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams could not hide his pride and excitement as he reflected on the historic occasion.

Speaking after the draw, Williams shared his thoughts on the group-stage opponents, the significance of the tournament and the weight of responsibility the team carries as African football ambassadors.

A Historic Moment for the Club

“The draw is a wonderful setup and seeing Mamelodi Sundowns among the best Clubs in the world is truly special. We were in Morocco when the draw was made and when our name appeared on the screen, the joy and pride on everyone’s faces were incredible. This is a moment to cherish, not just for us as players, but for our supporters and everyone connected to the Club.”

Competing in Group F

Bafana Ba Style finds themselves in Group F, alongside:

Fluminense (Brazil)
Borussia Dortmund (Germany)
Ulsan HD FC (South Korea),

The Sundowns shot-stopper acknowledged the challenges ahead but emphasized the team’s excitement to face such high-caliber opponents.

“This tournament is about competing against the best of the best and being part of it is an honor. Fluminense is a team whose style of play we know well. There are similarities in how we approach build-up play and we have studied their matches closely during our analysis sessions. They are a footballing powerhouse from Brazil and we hold great respect for their legacy.”

Turning his focus to Borussia Dortmund, Williams added:
“It is a special fixture for Tashreeq Matthews, who is looking forward to playing against his former Club. Dortmund represents the best of German football with their high intensity and passion for the game. They are one of Europe’s elite Clubs and playing against them will be a massive test for us.”

On Ulsan HD FC, the reigning CAF Goalkeeper of the Year highlighted their adaptability:
“Ulsan is a very dynamic team, tactically flexible and quick in transitions. They are known for their ability to adjust to different situations, which makes them a challenging opponent. We are preparing thoroughly because we know what to expect from them. At this level, we have to expect every team to bring their A-game.”

The Weight of Representation

“We understand the responsibility we carry as Mamelodi Sundowns. This goes beyond us—it is about showcasing the strength of African football. We represent our supporters, South Africa and the Continent, aiming to demonstrate our competitiveness on the global stage. Our goal is to inspire future generations and prove that we belong among the best.”

The Trophy and the Bigger Picture

Reflecting on the trophy unveiling, Ronwen described it as a moment of immense pride and inspiration.

“Seeing the history engraved on the trophy—from the iconic goals to the celebrations—was a humbling experience. To know that our name is now part of this competition’s legacy is historic. It is a reminder of how far we have come as a Club and the importance of making this opportunity count.”

When asked if he had hoped to face a particular team, Williams smiled and shared a personal story:
“My son is a big Manchester City fan and he would have loved to see me play against them. But honestly, we are just thrilled to be part of this company of world-class teams. Every game will be a spectacle and our focus is on giving our best in every match.”

The road to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is filled with exciting opportunities, and Mamelodi Sundowns are determined to make their mark and prove that they truly belong among the elite.

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