GAMERS
REJOICE AS

MAMELODI 
SUNDOWNS

JOINS FIFA 23
Author: Dumisani KoyanaOnly a handful of brands in history become so popular that they earn the right to be considered a cultural phenomenon. Notable names such as Jordan, MTV and Apple are examples of products that captivated consumers and revolutionised industries. When one thinks of a cultural phenomenon in the video gaming space, you cannot go very far without mentioning football’s most famous esports title, FIFA.
For many years, soccer-loving supporters of the world’s most popular football game have found themselves questioning why it was that Mamelodi Sundowns was not included in the FIFA games?
The club was a constant competitor in the CAF Champions League and a regular champion in the domestic league, yet despite their successes on field of play, every year when the latest version of FIFA was released, gamers in the Yellow Nation found themselves side-lined and surprised.
However, perhaps the game developers were saving the best for last?
As EA Sports and FIFA’s three-decade long partnership comes to an end, the creators of the game have finally listened to the players; and have chosen to sign off in style by unveiling the masters of Shoe Shine and Piano as the latest African team in their final edition of EA Sports FIFA 23.
© Samuel Shivambu - Backpage PixMosa Lebusa during the match against Marumo Gallants With a few avid FIFA gamers in the Masandawana camp, The Mamelodi Sundowns Digital Magazine caught up with Mosa Lebusa to get his thoughts on the announcement, “I could not wait to see myself and the gents in the game. I enjoy playing FIFA with my son, he always puts me in his team as a striker and likes to use me to score goals. It is surreal to be part of FIFA23”.

An aspect of the game that always get FIFA esports fanatics talking are the ratings, where EA gives players a number between 0-100 based on real-life performance elements such as Pace, Dribbling, Defending, Passing, Physical, Shot power and Shot Accuracy.

Mosa went on to discuss how he felt about the player ratings that were released, “It was one of the first things I checked on the game, I do think that they got some of the ratings wrong but I didn’t take it personal as they do get updated as the season progresses” the left footed defender commented. “I’m just happy that Mamelodi Sundowns is part of the game, and big ups to the club for such innovative ideas!” said Musa.
© Sundowns MediaTheo Kgosinkwe Mafikizolo artist, Theo Kgosinkwe, was in high praise for the clubs latest licensing partnership "I could not believe it when the announcement video was shared on our club's social media accounts. It got quite a few people talking about the strides the club is taking to tap into different markets and I can safely say that I am enjoying the game. The fact that we can finally have the opportunity to play with our Masandawana players is big for us . My wife bought me the game and knows how much I love the team so I guess now I will be choosing my own formations and selecting my own players in the starting line up,” chuckled Theo Kgosinkwe.

With the game available to purchase now, we hope that the yellow nation will be able to practise and showcase their EA FIFA skills globally.

As gamers across the globe turn on their consoles and pickup their controllers for this edition of EA Sports FIFA 23, they now will have the ability to play with Peter Shalulile, take on defenders with Themba Zwane, and score goals with Gaston Sirino. In celebration of the club’s inclusion in the game, Mamelodi Sundowns will be hosting a number of FIFA 23 tournaments across the country in November that will end in a grand finale at the rAGE expo in December!
It promises to be a fun tournament for everyone, and even if you don’t know how to play FIFA 23, come through for a chance to win prizes and meet some of your favourite personalities and players!