As excitement builds ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Borussia Dortmund manager Niko Kovac has expressed his anticipation for the intercontinental battles that lie ahead – particularly the encounter with African champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
Dortmund is placed in Group F alongside Fluminense from Brazil and South Korea’s Ulsan Hyundai, promising a rich blend of footballing styles and cultures.
Facing unfamiliar but formidable opposition, Kovac sees the upcoming tournament as more than just a test of skill – it’s a celebration of global football.
“This is something new, a special moment for each of us, because we usually play European teams – now you play three [teams] from three different continents, it’s something new and something nice to be honest,” Kovac said in a video conference.
Dortmund has already begun preparing for this novel challenge. Kovac shared that the club’s analyst team has been actively studying Sundowns, even going as far as sending scouts to South Africa to watch the team in action.
It’s a testament to the respect Dortmund holds for the reigning African champions, who have gained a reputation for their tactical sophistication.
“Nobody knows everything about each other as opponents but I think we have three different types of play,” Kovac explained.
“The Brazilian team is ball possession, a bit controlled football to keep the ball, then the Korean team is aggressive, fast and quick and Sundowns is more to the side of the Brazilian team [style].”
Kovac’s remarks highlight a deep appreciation for Sundowns’ footballing philosophy under coach Rulani Mokwena, known for its emphasis on structure and possession – qualities reminiscent of Fluminense’s patient build-up play.
His familiarity with African football goes further. Kovac followed the 2024 CAF Champions League final closely, where Sundowns faced Egyptian side Pyramids FC.
His interest partly stems from a personal link – Pyramids’ coach Krunoslav Jurčić is a former Croatian teammate.
“I also know in the last two games they played in the final against the Egyptian team [Pyramids], and the head coach is a Croatian, so right away I know about that results of that match – so as we see it, there’s different types but for a top team as we are, we must handle this,” he added.
Kovac emphasised the importance of thorough preparation, especially in a tournament that brings together contrasting playing styles and unfamiliar opponents.
“It’s the work of our analyst team and the work of our staff. We need to prepare the team as good as possible and I’m convinced that all four teams will prepare everything on the highest level.”
As Dortmund sets its sights on Club World Cup glory, Kovac’s thoughtful analysis underscores the growing global respect for teams like Sundowns – proof of how far African club football has come on the world stage.
