What the Borussia Dortmund coach had to say about Mamelodi Sundowns

Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovac shared his thoughts on their upcoming opponent Mamelodi Sundowns, a match that will take place on Saturday and is expected to be attended by a large number of fans from both sides.

Mamelodi Sundowns will meet the eight-time Bundesliga champions in the FIFA Club World Cup Group F at TQL Stadium, Cincinnati.

Interestingly, Mamelodi Sundowns come into the match on the back of a convincing win over South Korean side Ulsan HD last Wednesday, while Borussia Dortmund will try to put their best foot forward after a goalless draw with Brazilian side Fluminense.

Fluminense coach Niko Kovac has acknowledged the challenge posed by Mamelodi Sundowns, insisting his side must be at their best to overcome the South African champions. Speaking after his team’s recent match, the German tactician admitted that while Fluminense may be favorites on paper, Sundowns’ quality demands respect.

"Favorites Must Prove It on the Pitch"

Kovac emphasized that football is decided by performances, not predictions. "We know Sundowns reached the CAF Champions League final recently, which speaks volumes about their strength," he said. "African teams are physically powerful and tactically disciplined, so we must be fully prepared."

The Brazilians will need to regroup quickly, with Kovac stressing the importance of mental freshness ahead of the fixture. "The next matches are critical, and we can’t afford any lapses," he added.

Sundowns’ Secret Weapon: Ex-Dortmund Talent

Adding intrigue to the matchup is Sundowns’ winger Tashreeq Matthews, a former Borussia Dortmund prospect. The 24-year-old spent time in Europe, including loan spells at Utrecht and Helsingborg, before settling in Sweden’s top flight with Varberg and Sirius. Though his Dortmund first-team chances were limited, his experience in elite youth systems could prove vital against Fluminense.

A victory for Sundowns would boost their chances of advancing to the tournament’s knockout stages—a historic achievement for the Pretoria-based side.