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Seth Willis

Ex-Kaizer Chiefs attacker gives Mamelodi Sundowns no chance in Fifa Club World Cup - 'Masandawana are good in continental football... cracks are starting & they will get a hiding in US'

The Premier Soccer League champions are in North America to dine with the big boys in the global competition.

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  • Sundowns are chasing CWC trophy
  • They are representing Africa alongside Al Ahly, Esperance & Wydad AC
  • Ex-Chiefs players not convinced Miguel's men will deliver
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    WHAT HAPPENED?

    Mamelodi Sundowns are among the 32 teams chasing the Fifa Club World Cup in the United States.

    The Premier Soccer League champions are representing Africa alongside Al Ahly, Esperance, and Wydad Athletic Club.

    The new format has been introduced by Fifa to bring more life and competitive edge to the best teams in the world.

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  • FBL-CAF-CHAMPIONS-RSA-SUNDOWNS-ESPERANCEAFP

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Sundowns have been placed in Group F alongside heavyweights Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan HD, and Fluminense.

    Their first assignment will be against the South Korean outfit on Wednesday, June 18.

    Former Kaizer Chiefs attacker Junior Khanye is not convinced the South African outfit has what it takes to make an impact in the global scene.

    He argues the quality is low as opposed to the other teams in the competition.

  • WHAT KHANYE SAID

    "Remember the likes of Fluminense have in their books the likes of Thiago Silva, we are talking about high-profile teams in terms of the budget. We're talking brilliant individual players," he told SNL24. "It's a tournament that is contested by the likes of Real Madrid with the best players in the world, like Kylian Mbappe.

    "Yes, Sundowns, they are strong and have players playing in Bafana Bafana, but they are good for continental football

    "Well done to Sundowns for representing South Africa, but we need to be honest, the Club World Cup will be a level too high for Sundowns. The level is too high," Khanye continued.

    "Under current coach Miguel Cardoso, surely the team is taking a different philosophy, playing defensive football.

    "It might not show for now, but slowly, cracks are starting. They indeed have strong individual players.

    "After this World Cup will have questions to answer. This World Cup is going to put him under pressure. I expect Sundowns to get a hiding of three to four goals.

    "I'm disappointed, but I have to say it, Sundowns are not going to win even a single match in that Club World Cup," he concluded.

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  • Miguel Cardoso, Mamelodi Sundowns

    WHAT NEXT?

    Ulsan HD are seemingly the easiest team for Sundowns to try and get a win ahead of the tougher assignments in the pool.

    It will be a chance for coach Miguel Cardoso to ease pressure after failing to deliver the Caf Champions League trophy following their 3-2 aggregate loss against Pyramids.

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