What Sundowns want to do at the Club World Cup
Mamelodi Sundowns striker Peter Shalulile has revealed the club's commitment to compete at the highest level and their determination to majorly impact the global stage.
As confirmed by FIFA in 2024, Abafana Ba Style will be one of 32 clubs around the world that have qualified for the newly revamped FIFA Club World Cup in the United States of America from 14 June to 134 July.
Sundowns are also one of four African clubs to represent the continent at the event, namely Al Ahly, Esperance and Wydad Casablanca, thanks to consistent appearances in the semifinal rounds of the CAF Champions League in the past decade.
According to Shalulile, Sundowns will not travel to America to add up the numbers. 'The club's goal is to make sure we make it out of the group stage. That's the target,' the Namibian international was quoted by FIFA.com . 'I expect us to do it, because we don't just go into any competition to make up the numbers, but to be a team where they [the opposition] can also fear us.'
'It's a wonderful feeling [to be at the FIFA Club World Cup]. You're going to see some of the best players, the best teams, and you can also see how good you are. We are excited and ready for that.'
Sundowns have been drawn in Group F alongside South Korea's Ulsan HD FC, German giants Borussia Dortmund, and Brazilian powerhouse Fluminense. Wednesday, 18 June: Ulsan vs Sundowns at 00:00 from the Inter & Co Stadium, Orlando, USA.
Saturday, 21 June: Sundowns vs Dortmund at 18:00 from the QTL Stadium, Cincinnati, USA.
Wednesday, 25 June: Sundowns vs Fluminese at 21:00 from the Hard Rock Stadium, Florida, USA.
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