Premier Soccer League champions Mamelodi Sundowns are set for their first Club World Cup assignment on Wednesday, June 18, hoping to start their global campaign on a high.
The South African heavyweights will be playing Ulsan HD in their first Group F game before facing Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund and eventually the South American team Fluminense.
South Africans have a feeling that they can get a good result against the South Korean side to give them a good start to the prestigious global competition. What are the top five things the fans will anticipate watching?
Can Sundowns end their poor record against Asian teams?
While Ulsan HD haven't played against African opposition before, Sundowns have played two from Asia. They played Kashima Antlers and Jeonbuk in the 2016 Club World Cup but ended up registering back-to-back defeats.
That was a decade ago; since then, Masandawana have made massive strides, meaning they can eventually get their maiden win against a team from Asia. The quality within their squad speaks volumes on the team's potential.
Another test for Cardoso, will he deliver?
Miguel Cardoso was appointed as Masandawana coach to help deliver continental and global glory to the ambitious PSL champions. However, he failed his first assignment, winning the Caf Champions League after falling against Pyramids in the final.
Winning the PSL title has been the norm for Masandawana, but they want to deliver on the international stage. Having coached in Europe before, Cardoso has an opportunity to show his tactical prowess by ensuring his team delivers.
CWC, a true reflection of the PSL standard?
Sundowns have been doing well on the continent after dominating Mzansi. They won the African Football league in the 2023/24 season, and in the past three years, they have managed to reach, at least, the Caf Champions League semi-finals, and reached the final in the most recent edition.
By performing better at the Club World Cup, the Brazilians will be showing that the PSL, which is one of the best in Africa, is strong enough in the world. That will be a statement to top players, that they can consider plying trade in Mzansi.
Litmus test to ‘world-class' Sundowns players
There have been arguments that Sundowns have players who have what it takes to compete in the best leagues in the world. Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Teboho Mokoena, Lucas Ribeiro and Iqraam Rayners are just a few players who have been outstanding.
It will be interesting to see how they play against Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense who are known for their slick football.
Has Sundowns management got ir right?
Ulsan HD have the least valuable squad as opposed to Sundowns, Fluminense, and Borussia Dortmund. The Masandawana management have been working hard to ensure they provide the best environment for the players to deliver.
This game, and the entire competition at large, will give them the answer they need on players at their disposal.
