Mamelodi Sundowns Jet Off to Club World Cup with Fresh Look and Fierce Determination

Mamelodi Sundowns departed in style from OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday, fully geared up for their long-awaited return to the FIFA Club World Cup — this time in the United States.

Donning vibrant custom tracksuits, the squad looked sharp and confident as they set off to represent South Africa in football’s biggest global club competition, set to run from 15 June to 13 July 2025. Head coach Miguel Cardoso, sporting a knitted hat with the South African flag, embodied the pride and pressure of the journey ahead.

Bouncing Back After CAF Heartbreak

Their departure comes just a week after CAF Champions League final heartbreak, where Sundowns fell short against Egypt’s Pyramids FC (3-2 on aggregate). It was a bitter pill for the Yellow Nation, who had waited nine years for a second continental crown.

“It was probably the hardest defeat of my career,” admitted vice-captain Ronwen Williams. “We sacrificed a lot… but we had to go again. No one is going to do it for us.”

Recovery & Refocus: Mental Break Needed

Williams revealed the squad took five days apart after the Cairo setback:

“It was important to re-energise. These five days helped us find our spark again.”

Now, all eyes are on the Club World Cup, where Sundowns will face Ulsan Hyundai (South Korea), Fluminense (Brazil), and Borussia Dortmund (Germany) in a daunting Group F.

“We need to be ourselves and be true to our identity,” said Williams. “We believe we have the capacity to get out of the group — that would be massive.”

Final 23-Man Squad Revealed

Coach Cardoso has officially announced his 23-man squad. It includes star names like:

• Ronwen Williams
• Lucas Ribeiro Costa
• Peter Shalulile
• Themba Zwane
• Teboho Mokoena

However, the squad also features some surprising omissions, with a few senior players and fan favourites left behind as the club prioritises balance and form.

US Fixtures & Group Schedule

• June 17: vs Ulsan Hyundai (Inter & Co Stadium)
• June 21: vs Borussia Dortmund (TQL Stadium)
• June 26: vs Fluminense (Hard Rock Stadium)

A New Chapter Awaits

This will be Sundowns’ second Club World Cup appearance, their first since 2016. With their domestic dominance and bold ambition, the Brazilians now aim to shake up the global stage.

“It’s tough, but we enjoy it. That’s what it means to be at Sundowns,” said Williams.

If they succeed, Cardoso’s flag-knitted beanie might just become the lucky charm in a historic new chapter for South Africa’s football giants.