logo
Mamelodi Sundowns depart in style as Club World Cup beckons

Mamelodi Sundowns depart in style as Club World Cup beckons

IOL News2 days ago

Mamelodi Sundowns' captain Ronwen Williams departed with his team to the the Fifa Club World Cup on Sunday. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media
Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media
Mamelodi Sundowns made a grand departure for the Fifa Club World Cup in the US at OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday afternoon. Sundowns' players were clad in new, colourful tracksuits specially designed for the tournament, while the technical teams wore sleek grey attire.
Head coach Miguel Cardoso stood out in a knitted hat featuring the South African flag — a symbolic and impeccable choice from the Portugal-born manager. It reflected both the team's and his readiness to carry the nation's hopes on the global stage.
Sundowns have been a beacon of hope for South African sport, coming agonisingly close to lifting the CAF Champions League title just a week ago. However, their aspirations were dashed at the final hurdle, losing the second leg 2–1 to Pyramids in Cairo, and the tie 3–2 on aggregate.
The narrow defeat stunned the Yellow Nation and the country at large, especially given that the club last won the continental crown nine years ago, despite dominating the domestic league for the past eight seasons.
Speaking to the media prior to departure, Sundowns' vice-captain Ronwen Williams reflected on how the team have dealt with the disappointment in Cairo.
'I think the most important thing to do was to reflect,' Williams said. 'Immediately after the game, we had our chats. But after that, it was important to stay away from each other. We've played so many games this season and travelled extensively.
'So, these five days away from one another were important to re-energise and get the spark back. It was hard to accept that defeat — but we had to go again.'
Williams acknowledged that the team would have arrived at the Club World Cup with greater confidence had they secured the African title, but that now they need to dig deep.
'We would be going with that confidence if we had won the African crown. But now, we need to dig deep because we didn't win,' he explained.
'It was probably the hardest defeat of my career — and the team's as well. We sacrificed a lot and worked so hard to get there. Everyone thought we'd get over the line.
'We have to go again. No one is going to do it for us — we need to man up. People are on holiday, and we are on another flight.
"That's how amazing it is to be at Sundowns — they always focus on the next competition. As tough as it is, we enjoy it. It's really amazing!'

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Kaizer Chiefs & Orlando Pirates (EXITS): SEVEN players released!
Kaizer Chiefs & Orlando Pirates (EXITS): SEVEN players released!

The South African

time13 minutes ago

  • The South African

Kaizer Chiefs & Orlando Pirates (EXITS): SEVEN players released!

Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates have started to clean house. Kaizer Chiefs have released THREE players already. Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates have already let FOUR players go. CHIEFS RELEASE TRIO Rango Chivaviro, Njabulo Blom and Sabelo Radebe have all been left Chiefs. Chivaviro is now a free agent following his departure. Whilst, Blom has returned to the USA after a loan spell with Amakhosi. Thereafter, fan-favourite Sabelo Radebe has been released following his loan spell with PSL rivals, AmaZulu. So, Chiefs have released three players so far. However, Amakhosi management are far from done with their process of trimming the squad. In fact, these SIX Chiefs players are likely heading out of Naturena. ALSO READ: SUNDOWNS AND PIRATES STARS OFFERED TO CHIEFS ALSO READ: KAIZER CHIEFS' SUNDOWNS RAID: SIX PLAYERS – FULL LIST PIRATES PLAYER EXODUS CONTINUES Pirates have released even more players than Chiefs. To date, the Bucs have said goodbye to a total of four players. Paseka Mako, Miguel Timm, Thabiso Monyane and Innocent Maela have all left Pirates. Interestingly, these TWO Pirates players are linked with moves to Chiefs. One outgoing Bucs star has been offered to Chiefs. Furthermore, Chiefs have made an offer for this outgoing Pirates player. Finally, Maela's exit has huge ramifications for the club. He was club captain. Therefore, Pirates will have to appoint a new captain and a new coach next season. ALSO READ: ORLANDO PIRATES NEW ERA – NEW COACH AND CAPTAIN – LATEST ALSO READ: DONE DEAL! KAIZER CHIEFS SIGN R10-MILLION OUTGOING ORLANDO PIRATES PLAYER WHICH PLAYERS SHOULD CHIEFS AND PIRATES SIGN TO REPLACE THESE PLAYER DEPARTURES? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.

NO South African Grand Prix on 2026 Formula One calendar
NO South African Grand Prix on 2026 Formula One calendar

The South African

time23 minutes ago

  • The South African

NO South African Grand Prix on 2026 Formula One calendar

Spain will host two Formula One grands prix in 2026, with the new race in Madrid joining Barcelona, after organisers on Tuesday announced the calendar for a season that could bring big changes on the grid. The 2026 campaign will open for the second successive season in Australia at Melbourne's Albert Park street circuit on March 6-8. The race in the Spanish capital Madrid is on September 11-13 and will bring the curtain down on the European segment of the season. The new Madrid circuit will have both street and non-street sectors. The 24-weekend campaign will again conclude in Abu Dhabi, on December 4-6. Montreal in Canada will now follow Miami in May to cut down on travelling for the teams. The 2026 season promises to look radically different with Cadillac becoming the 11th team on the grid and sweeping new regulations on aerodynamics and power units. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of motorsport's governing body, the FIA, said: 'Next year's FIA Formula One World Championship marks a significant new chapter for our sport. 'A new race, new teams, and the arrival of new manufacturers, all ushering in a fresh era of innovation and competition.' March 6-8: Melbourne, Australia March 13-15: Shanghai, China March 27-29: Suzuka, Japan April 10-12: Sakhir, Bahrain April 17-19: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia May 1-3: Miami, United States May 22-24: Montreal, Canada June 5-7: Monaco June 12-14: Barcelona, Spain June 26-28: Spielberg, Austria July 3-5: Silverstone, Great Britain July 17-19: Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium July 24-26: Budapest, Hungary August 21-23: Zandvoort, Netherlands Sept 4-6: Monza, Italy Sept 11-13: Madrid, Spain Sept 25-27: Baku, Azerbaijan Oct 9-11 Singapore Oct 23-25 Austin, United States Oct 30-Nov 1: Mexico City, Mexico Nov 6-8 Sao Paulo, Brazil Nov 19-21 Las Vegas, United States Nov 27-29 Lusail, Qatar Dec 4-6: Abu Dhabi, UAE Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news. By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

Orlando Pirates new head coach news: Florent Ibenge the one?
Orlando Pirates new head coach news: Florent Ibenge the one?

The South African

time42 minutes ago

  • The South African

Orlando Pirates new head coach news: Florent Ibenge the one?

Orlando Pirates are on the brink of unveiling a new head coach following the sudden departure of José Riveiro to Egyptian giants Al Ahly. The club has kept its cards close to its chest, refusing to confirm or deny ongoing speculation, but behind the scenes, the coaching search has intensified. A source has revealed that agents have offered highly-rated Congolese coach Florent Ibenge to Orlando Pirates. While interest around the former CAF Confederation Cup winner is heating up, no formal approach has been made by the Buccaneers yet. As of yesterday, Ibenge remains under contract with Sudanese powerhouse Al Hilal but has not signed any extension, leaving the door wide open for a potential move. Ibenge poured cold water on swirling rumours but did little to close the door. 'Look, Micky… everything is still rumours for now,' Florent told Micky Jnr, African social media journalist. Pressed further about his future with Al Hilal, he added. 'You'll know in (a) few days' time.' The urgency within the club is mounting, as Pirates prepare for a European pre-season tour. The squad is scheduled to jet off to Germany in the first week of July. And the technical team is keen to have a new head coach installed before then. 'The team is expected to leave for pre-season in Germany during the first week of July. So they are planning to have the new coach by that time as part of their pre-season,' revealed a club insider. With time ticking and speculation swirling, all eyes are now on Orlando Pirates. Will they swoop in for Ibenge, or does the Bucs' management have a different ace up their sleeve? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store