Kekana: Sundowns proved they can compete at the FIFA Club World Cup

IOL News

5 hours ago

STRONG SUNDOWNS TEAM Mamelodi Sundowns celebrate their victory against Ulsan at the Inter&Co Stadium in the US. | Supplied.
Image: Supplied
Mamelodi Sundowns defender Grant Kekana believes their second appearance at the FIFA Club World Cup was a vital learning experience — and clear proof that African clubs can match global footballing standards.
Sundowns, who previously featured in the tournament in 2016, earned their place this time through continued domestic and continental dominance.
And while their campaign ended in the group stages, Kekana insists the Brazilians showed enough resilience and structure to believe they belong on the biggest stage.
'It was a good learning experience,' said the 32-year-old.
'It's a tournament that shows we are capable and have the talent to compete. We weren't humiliated or overrun — we just ran out of time in most games.'
One of the standout moments of the campaign came in the 4-3 loss to Borussia Dortmund, where Sundowns went toe-to-toe with the Bundesliga giants and only fell short in the closing stages.
The match drew praise across the continent for the PSL side's fearless approach.
Kekana described that encounter as the toughest test of the tournament, particularly from a tactical and technical point of view.
'In terms of quality, Dortmund were the hardest,' he said.
'Their movement off the ball was really good, and they were very clinical in front of goal. It was a game of small margins.'
Those margins, Kekana says, ultimately underline the next level African clubs need to reach if they're to win games, not just compete.
'That's the difference — efficiency,' he explained.
'We need to be more clinical. When you get chances against teams like that, you have to take them. That's what separates the best.'