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Grant Kekana and Ronwen Williams, Mamelodi SundownsMamelodi Sundowns
Seth Willis

'Proud' Teko Modise sends Mamelodi Sundowns strong message despite FIFA Club World Cup's exit - 'This is where we belong'

The Masandawana legend shares his thoughts after the Premier Soccer League's exploits in the ongoing global competition.

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  • Downs were among teams that played in CWC
  • Al Ahly, Esperance & Wydad AC also represented Africa
  • Modise shares his sentiments
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  • Thembinkosi Lorch, Wydad AC vs Manchester CityWydad AC

    WHAT HAPPENED?

    The inaugural expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is underway in the United States, with clubs competing harder to be crowned champions.

    Mamelodi Sundowns represented Africa in the competition alongside Egyptian champions Al Ahly, Wydad Athletic Club of the Botola Pro League, and Tunisian outfit Esperance.

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  • Mamelodi Sundowns FC v Borussia Dortmund: Group F - FIFA Club World Cup 2025Getty Images Sport

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    All African representatives were eliminated in the group stage; Wydad lost all three matches, Al Ahly drew two and lost one, Esperance won one and lost two, and Sundowns won one, drew one, and lost one as well.

    Masandawana won the hearts of many fans owing to their style of play and intent on the pitch against seemingly better teams.

    It explains why their legend, Teko Modise, was left impressed by the exploits of the current crop of players and hopes it is sustained beyond the Club World Cup.

  • Teko ModiseBackpage

    WHAT MODISE SAID

    "I would say the message is to the team, the technical staff, the management, and everyone that is involved with Mamelodi Sundowns that now the world, the international stage, knows who you are, can you go to the second?" he told Pitchside Podcast.

    "For the players, those who didn't play and didn't participate, can you come back and actually participate and go further?

    "I think that is the challenge I'm putting on the team, and I'm putting on the players," Modise told the media.

    "This is where we belong. We need to come back here, but there is a lot that needs to be done. To the players themselves, to everyone who was involved with this trip. I am very, very proud.

    "We played our way, and we never panicked. We never show any stress, and this is how we have to play.

    "I'm very, very proud to be here, and I just hope that this experience is going to go to everyone in the team so that we can come back stronger next season," he concluded.

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  • Miguel Cardoso, Mamelodi SundownsBackpage

    WHAT NEXT?

    The Brazilians are now set for a holiday to rest from a tough season before getting back for pre-season.

    The main challenge will be ensuring the team delivers a successful campaign both domestically and abroad in 2025/26.

    Coach Miguel Cardoso will now have no excuse if he fails to meet the set targets.

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