'It’s a great opportunity' Ulsan HD coach targets Mamelodi Sundowns to cushion his side ahead of facing Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense at the 2025 Fifa Club World Cup

Mamelodi Sundowns are one of the four African clubs to qualify for the 2025 Fifa Club World Cup.

They are in Group F and will face Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund, Brazilian heavyweights Fluminense and South Korean side Ulsan HD.

The Tshwane giants open their campaign against Ulsan on June 18 and the Korean outfit's coach Kim Pan-Gon feels the clash with Sundowns is crucial before coming up against other teams in their pool.

“I believe that this format, with 32 teams competing, will attract significant global attention," Pan-Gon told Fifa.com.

"It’s a great opportunity to compete against world-class teams, and I’m sure that both the Koreans living in the United States and fans back home will be looking forward to seeing how Ulsan HD can do. I feel a strong sense of responsibility to acquit ourselves well.

“As a team representing Korea and Asia, we’re under pressure to perform well against clubs from other continents," added the former Hong Kong coach.

“I believe advancing to the Round of 16 is crucial, and our first match against Mamelodi Sundowns will be key. After that, it will be important to narrow the gap and pick up points against Fluminense and Borussia Dortmund.”

This will be the second time for the Brazilians to participate at the Fifa Club World Cup in the history of the club.

The Tshwane giants are yet to win a single match at this tournament after their participation in 2026 ended in defeats to Japanese side Kashima Antlers and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors from South Korea.

That gives them pressure to pick their first win of the tournament when they face Ulsan HD.

Masandawana arrive at the Club World Cup as a wounded side following the agony of losing the Caf Champions League final.

A poor outing in the USA might further complicate the life of coach Miguel Cardoso, who has already drawn the ire of Masandawana fans for the way he treated his captain Themba Zwane in the Champions League.