Ricardo Nascimento: Mamelodi Sundowns have every chance to beat Fluminense

Ricardo Nascimento believes the South African champions have every opportunity to surprise the Brazilian powerhouse.

Details: In an interview with the newspaper Vaiprogol, former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Ricardo Nascimento shared his confidence in his home club's prospects at the FIFA Club World Cup:

"Now, with this chance to take part in the Club World Cup, it's another opportunity to showcase how South African football is developing. I think Sundowns are having a fantastic tournament, putting African football on the global map. People are starting to see that there are talented players in South Africa as well.

This is a decisive match against Fluminense, a knockout game where only one team will progress. I think it will be a tough contest.

Fluminense played a great first game, the second one not so much, but they accomplished their objective. Sundowns have nothing to lose, and I actually think that makes things even tougher for Fluminense. Fluminense will need to be fully focused, just like they were in their opening match, because if they lose concentration, Mamelodi could spring a real surprise at this Club World Cup." Nascimento said.

Nascimento, now 38, played for Sundowns from 2016 to 2022, establishing himself as a loyal and determined defender and earning immense respect and affection from the fans.

As a reminder, Sundowns are set to play their crucial knockout clash against Fluminense today for a place in the Club World Cup round of 16—a must-win fixture for the South African side.

Also read: Mamelodi Sundowns vs Fluminense: kick-off time, how to watch, Live stream - June 25, 2025