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Themba Zwane, Mamelodi Sundowns, April 2025Backpagepix
Tom Hindle

Club World Cup Scouting Report: Mamelodi Sundowns have the swagger and quality to make life difficult for Europe's top clubs

Can the most successful South African club in recent history make an impact in the U.S. this summer?

Mamelodi Sundowns were once so cool that they were regarded as bigger than Africa. In the 1960s, they were dubbed "The Brazilians" for their sharp style and even sharper kits. And although that tag has faded and they have "settled" for the arguably even cooler Bafana ba Style (translation: Boys with style), the Sundowns have lost none of their swagger.

One of four African teams taking part at the Club World Cup, they are here in the name of both pedigree and continuity. The Sundowns have dominated their domestic competitions in recent years, winning seven straight South African Top Flight titles, and being ever present in the African Champions League.

The Club World Cup, though, has evaded them for some time, and they will be appearing in the competition for the first time since 2016. And although they have a tough group, that flair might be enough for them to make some noise.

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will be played in 12 stadiums in 11 U.S. cities, from the opener on June 14 until the final on July 13. In the U.S., fans can stream or watch matches on DAZN or TNT. Leading up to kickoff, GOAL will provide scouting reports on each of the 32 participating teams in the expanded field.

Next up is Mamelodi Sundowns, with a look at key players to watch, and expectations for the South African side at the tournament.

  • Arthur Sales, Lucas Ribeiro Costa, Marcelo Allende, Mamelodi Sundowns, December 2024Mamelodi Sundowns

    The basics

    DOMESTIC LEAGUE: South African Premiership

    CLUB WORLD CUP HISTORY: Sixth place finish in 2016

    GROUP: F (Fluminense, Mamelodi Sundowns, Ulsan HD, Borussia Dortmund)

    OPENING MATCH:Ulsan HD - June 17, 6 p.m. E, Orlando

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  • How they got here

    Domestic success has been a mandate for the Downs in recent years, but it is their performances on a continental scale that have them playing in the United States this summer. They qualified thanks to the ranking pathway, with two CAF Champions League semifinal appearances - as well as one spot in the last eight - between 2020 and 2024 enough to secure their participation.

  • Themba Zwane of Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1GOAL GFX

    The player to watch

    The Sundowns have a pretty good monopoly on most of the talent in South African football. This is the club with the most money to throw around - and the biggest appeal as a result. It has allowed them to collect a few big names over the years.

    But the main man remains Themba Zwane. The South African national team stalwart can cause problems from an attacking midfield position, and even at 35, is a real danger in the final-third. He isn't a goalscorer, but his eye for a final pass could be vital if the Downs are to pinch any results against higher quality opposition.

    A word, too, for Marcelo Allende, who has plugged holes in midfield, and can operate smartly all over the pitch.

  • Mamelodi Sundowns, 2025Backpage

    Realistic expectations

    Dream big, but don't expect much. The Downs may be regular contenders in continental African football, but this will surely represent a massive step up in quality. Borussia Dortmund will likely have too much for them on the day, while Fluminense should provide a real challenge, too.

    A couple of favorable results, though, and a knockout stage spot isn't out of the question. Beyond that, though, they will look to cause some problems for bigger clubs.