Mamelodi Sundowns reportedly refused to wear their special FIFA Club World Cup kit made specifically for them by Puma during their opening match on Wednesday morning.
Sundowns did not don the Puma x KidSuper kit designed for them for the tournament, opting to wear their standard home jersey during their opening match against Ulsan HD, a game they won 1-0, thanks to Iqraam Rayners’ 36th minute goal.
The PSL champions will also wear the unreleased 2025-26 away kit for the Club World Cup, making them the only Puma-sponsored team at the tournament not to utilise a KidSuper-designed gear.
Why did Sundowns refuse the Puma x KidSuper kit?
Sundowns, Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund, Rayados, Al Hilal, Salzburg and Palmeiras all received the special Puma kit for the Club World Cup and while the other teams will wear some if it, the South African club has opted against.
It is not known why Sundowns opted against using the kit but according to Footy Headlines, the Brazilians may not have been unsatisfied with the design which had Puma collaborating with KidSuper to create unique, art-driven jerseys for all their teams at the Club World Cup.
While Sundowns have snubbed it completely, City will use it as the alternative/away kit while Palmeiras had the initial design altered to their liking.
PSL champions had commanding opening performance
The kit controversy did not, however, affect Sundowns’ performance on the pitch as they dominated Ulsan with Rayners having two other goals ruled out for handball and offside in the build-up.
Victory saw the PSL champions move top of Group F with the maximum three points, taking advantage of Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense’s goalless draw on Tuesday.
Sundowns will now face Dortmund in their next match on Saturday June 21, looking for a second straight win that will guarantee them a place in the Round of 16.
