Do not go for Lionel Messi's jersey! Mamelodi Sundowns stars reminded to keep eyes on Fifa Club World Cup - 'Don't be overawed by the occasion'

Mamelodi Sundowns players have been asked not to be moved by the spectacle and stars gracing the Fifa Club World Cup.

Experienced South African tactician Cavin Johnson has asked the Premier Soccer League champions to chase glory in the tournament because that is the important mission ahead of them.

"Prepare yourself mentally; don't be overawed by the occasion just because you are playing maybe against Kylian Mbappe or Lionel Messi," Johnson told KickOff.

"It's a Club World Cup; there are no egos to be looked at. You can’t go on the pitch thinking, 'Oh no, I'm playing against Lionel Messi, so today I must get his jersey'...you are even on the pitch. You have to be ready for the Club World Cup. So go for the Club World Cup, not for Messi's jersey."

Johnson also gauged Sundowns' probability of advancing to the knockout stage.

"To be in the Club World Cup is important; it's going to be hard for them to succeed in the group stages. I was there with Al Ahly in the World Cup, but there were fewer teams then in Qatar," the former SuperSport United tactician stated.

"But now that there are 32 teams, there's a big chance that they'll progress to the group stages if they prepare well. The nice thing about this Club World Cup is that it's played by clubs, and in those clubs, you have players from all over the world. All the teams are made up of players from different nations," he added.

"When you get there, it's about showing who you are. As a player, you should go there, understanding you might not find a chance to play in another Club World Cup again."

After failing to win the Caf Champions League, Sundowns have an opportunity to win a trophy in the United States to quench their thirst for an international title.

Following a determined run that saw them reach the continental final, they were beaten by a relatively new kid on the block, Pyramids FC, who lifted their maiden Champions League trophy.

Advancing further in the Club World Cup tournament also means that the Brazilians will have a chance to brush shoulders and test themselves with more established clubs from around the globe, like Real Madrid, Manchester City, or even Messi's Inter Miami.

Downs will begin their campaign against Ulsan HD of South Korea on Wednesday. This is a game that the PSL heavyweights must ensure they collect points in in order to increase their chances of advancing.

Group F, which also has Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense, is considered a tight one, and that means each team must ensure they get points from each of their games if they have to reach the knockout phase.