Sundowns’ growth in international football clearly visible at Club World Cup

There is a visible difference between the babes in the wood of Mamelodi Sundowns' talented class of 2016 who ventured into a first Club World Cup (CWC) to something of an awakening and the much-hardened combination making a real impression in the US in 2025.

In Osaka nine years ago, Pitso Mosimane's Sundowns generation of the 'CBD' (Leonardo Castro, Khama Billiat and Keagan Dolly) in attack; Hlompho Kekana, Teko Modise and Tiyani Mabunda in midfield; Tebogo Langerman, Thabo Nthethe and Bangaly Soumahoro in defence and Denis Onyango in goal were a formidable line-up.

That was why, after getting into the 2016 Caf Champions League group stage through the back door, they went on to win it. There is barely anything between the strength of line-ups on paper between the 2016 CWC and 2025. 

The 2016 team went to Osaka in the old seven team CWC format and lost 2-0 to host Japanese club Kashima Antlers and 4-1 against South Korea's Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. They played some good football — Sundowns always do — but battled in key moments against the pace and precision of their Asian opponents.

In 2025, Downs beat Korean side Ulsan HD 1-0 in their opener in Orlando, but they could have won by more, scorer Iqraam Rayners having two strikes overruled by a matter of centimetres by the VAR check and the Brazilians enjoying a glut — 70% — of possession.

On Saturday, Sundowns were involved in one of the games of the tournament going toe-to-toe with a European giant, this year's Uefa Champions League semifinalists, Borussia Dortmund, in a 4-3 defeat in Cincinnati. Brazilian striker Jose Ribeiro tore through the middle of Dortmund to stun them with an early opener, and with Sundowns all over the crack Bundesliga outfit, Ronwen Williams committed an error the 2024 Yashin Trophy nominee barely ever would for Felix Nmecha's equaliser.

Dortmund had the momentum and took a 3-1 lead to the break. They got their fourth against the run of play in the second half through a deflected own goal off Khuliso Mudau. Many teams would have tried to preserve the scoreline and not concede any more from that point. Downs pulled two back via Rayners and substitute Lebo Mothiba to make for a nervous last 10 minutes plus added time for Borussia. The unfortunate side in the game was Downs, with Williams' error, a deflected own goal and hitting the post twice. Stunningly, Sundowns even again had the better of possession.

Ahead of the tournament few would have been so bold as to predict the Pretoria outfit would be in with a chance of the last 16 going into their last game against Fluminense at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Wednesday (9pm SA time). Win — a stretch, maybe, given the Brazilians have greater resources and pedigree, but not out of the realms of possibility given the South African club's performances — and Sundowns will have made history in Fifa's newly expanded, 32-team CWC.

The difference from 2016? Simply, experience on the international stage.

Mosimane's side won the 2016 Champions League after years of underachievement for Downs — and all other South African clubs — in the competition, where they last reached the group stage going to the 2001 final, 15 years previously. Since 2016 Sundowns have been one of the most competitive club sides in Africa, going out in the group stage once, quarterfinals four times, semifinals three and losing in the past final last month, 3-2 on aggregate against Pyramids FC.

Pedigree is what it’s all about. And such sustained competitiveness beyond South Africa not only earned Downs the second ranking in clubs in Africa and a place at the CWC, it has made them competitive in the US.

Downs coach Miguel Cardoso also should be cut some slack. He made some strange decisions that seemed costly against Pyramids having steered the team to the past season's Champions League final. But the harder edge the Portuguese brought was part of the reason they got there when so many other coaches fell in the final hurdles after 2016. Some of Cardoso's substitutions continue to baffle in the US, but Downs' greater toughness should also be credited to the coach. 

Cardoso expressed pride in his players' resilience against Borussia. He believes their performance showed the players they can compete against anyone, confidence they will need to stand a chance against Fluminense.

“We need to look forward to the competition because we've shown we can compete with these types of teams,” Cardoso said.

“Competing is exactly what we did today, just as we did against Ulsan, proving that we belong on the pitch [at the CWC]. Today we showed we are not afraid and respected every moment of the game.

“Sometimes, from a defeat, there seems to be nothing to take home, but from this one, there is something valuable. We can grow, gain confidence and build belief. Today we earned a lot of respect from the world watching this competition. I noticed people asking for shirts, which is a beautiful thing to see; it means we are on the right path.”

Cardoso reminded everyone that Sundowns faced a team significantly above their level, acknowledging the superior quality of players Dortmund possess.

“We're obviously not happy with the defeat, but I find it encouraging that we feel this way. It indicates that we faced a top-tier opponent and, despite the loss, we pushed our game to the maximum level. We couldn't afford to play an open game against such a strong team.

“It's important for people to recognise who Borussia Dortmund is, so we can appreciate the quality of the match that was played. I'm proud of our players, not just for the outcome, but for their performance and resilience throughout the game, allowing us to compete until the very end.”

“In the second half, after making five substitutions, including bringing on Thapelo Morena, Lebo Mothiba, and Jayden Adams, we put pressure on Dortmund. Mothiba's late goal brought the score to 4-3, giving them a scare. As you saw in stoppage time, Dortmund were focused on finishing the game, while we were determined to continue fighting for a win.”

“However, we need to recognise that when we face teams like Dortmund, they often appear more effective because they convert their chances. They can score with one or two opportunities, which reflects their higher level and the investment made in their players. Nonetheless, I am incredibly proud of our players.”

Cardoso acknowledged it was challenging to talk to his players at the break, trailing 3-1 due to three costly mistakes.

“Half time was difficult because there was a mix of emotions; we felt the weight of the result and what we had accomplished on the pitch. However, we also knew we could face severe consequences if we didn’t regain control of the game.

“Our focus was on ensuring the players returned for the second half feeling alive and motivated to fight. We ended the match with 60% possession.

“I know South Africa has long wanted us to play beautiful football, and I believe today you saw our team perform at the highest level. This experience will help us improve significantly.”

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Perhaps Cardoso's football is tougher, more direct, more robust, more percentage, than the pretty stuff of many of his predecessors. When it comes together in a toe-to-toe clash of intensity, pace and precision against a giant like Borussia, yes, that too is beautiful.