Ronwen Williams confident Sundowns can get out of group at Club World Cup

TimesLIVE

a day ago

In a strong statement of intent, Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams believes they have what it takes to get out of their group at the 2025 Fifa Club World Cup in the US.
The Brazilians are in Group F with Ulsan HD from South Korea, Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense from Brazil with matches taking lace in Orlando, Cincinnati and Miami respectively in the new format of the Club World Cup, which has been expanded from seven to 32 teams.
Williams and his men start their campaign with a tricky clash against Ulsan at Inter & Co Stadium next week Wednesday where they will be looking for a good start before clashes against tougher Borussia and Brazilian outfit Fluminense.
'We believe we have enough to get out of the group, which will be huge for the club,' Williams said.
𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐂𝐡𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐨𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐇𝐨𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐢 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞. 🇿🇦✈️🇩🇪
Our iconic Mamelodi Sundowns jersey was in Germany and paid a visit to Borussia Dortmund, as the two yellow giants gear up to meet in the #FIFACWC group stage! 🌍 #Sundowns … pic.twitter.com/pbvxONmhkQ
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) June 9, 2025
'When you look at the group, there are big names out there and it is going to be tough but we believe we can get out of it. We want to show people who Sundowns is at the competition.'
Sundowns travelled to the US on the back of the Caf Champions League final to Egyptian side Pyramids FC. Williams said the Tshwane giants have put that disappointment behind them.
'We have used the recent few days of rest to reflect on the Champions League loss through our chats and most importantly it was important to stay away from each other because we played many games and travelled a lot this season.
'The past five days away from each other helped us to re-energise and get the spark back. It was devastating to take that defeat but we have to go again.
𝐀 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐎𝐟𝐟! ✈️
Supporters gathered at Chloorkop to watch Masandawana train and share their messages of support, as the team make their way to the #FIFACWC.💛
Watch the full recap on YouTube 📲 https://t.co/jIXZAusm6W #Sundowns … pic.twitter.com/9R3s7ceaG5
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) June 9, 2025
'As Mamelodi Sundowns, there is always another opportunity and it does not get any bigger than this. We can't be mourning for too long, we have to be up for it because this is probably the biggest club competition.
'When we returned to training last week, you could see the energy and spark is back and those five days were good for us. It would have been perfect to wrap up the Champions League and go to the Club World Cup as continental champions.
'We could have gone with confidence but now we have to dig deep. It was probably the hardest defeat of my career and for the team because of how much we sacrificed and how hard we worked to get there.
'We said we would go all the way and do it but now we have to go back [to the drawing board] again. We have to lift ourselves, no-one is going to do it for us.
'While people are on holidays, we are on another flight and that is how amazing it is to be part of Sundowns because they are always looking at the next tournament.'