Former Kaizer Chiefs coach Cavin Johnson has given an advice to Mamelodi Sundowns ahead of their participation in the FIFA Club World Cup in the USA.
Masandawana will kick off their tournament campaign with an intriguing opening fixture against Ulsan HD on Tuesday, June 17th.
This crucial match will take place at the Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, setting the tone for their performance in the group.
Following this, they will face their biggest test in the group stage, going head-to-head with Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, June 21st, at the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati.
Their final group stage encounter will see them take on Fluminense on Wednesday, June 25th, at the iconic Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, a match that could prove decisive for their progression in the tournament.
He says Masandawana should focus on competing in the tournament rather than being excited about rubbing shoulders with the global stars.
‘DON’T BE OVERAWED BY THE OCCASSION’
“To be in the World Cup, it's important; it's going to be hard for them to succeed in the group stages. I was there with Al Ahly in the World Cup, but it was fewer teams then in Qatar,” Johnson tells KickOff.
“But now that there are 32 teams, there's a big chance that they progress to the group stages if they prepare well. The nice thing about this World Cup is that it's played by clubs, and in those clubs, you have players from all over the world. All the teams are made up of players from different nations.
“When you get there it's about showing who you are. As a player, you should go there, understanding you might not find a chance to play in another World Cup again.
“Prepare yourself mentally, don't be overawed by the occasion just because you are playing maybe against Kylian Mbappe or Lionel Messi.
“It's a World Cup, there is no egos to be looked at. You can’t go on the pitch thinking, ‘Oh no, I'm playing against Lionel Messi, so today I must get his jersey.'…you are even on the pitch. You have to be ready for the World Cup. So go for the World Cup not for Messi's jersey.”
