Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso says his outfit must be mentally prepared for the FIFA Club World Cup tournament.
The expanded 32-team tournament scheduled to take place at the USA runs from June 15 to July 13, 2025, with Sundowns set to battle it out for the prestigious trophy.
Sundowns have been paired in Group F against Ulsan Hyundai, Borussia Dortmund, and Fluminense.
The African giants will open their account against Ulsan Hyundai on June 17, 2025, followed by Borussia Dortmund’s clash on June 21 and Fluminense’s showdown on June 26.
Ahead of the commencement of the tournament, Cardoso has emphasized that while his team usually dominates possession in domestic competition, the caliber of opponents in the USA could turn the tables.
“We are used to controlling matches in the South African league. We have possession for 70 percent of the game, sometimes even more. Now we have to be mentally prepared for situations where the opposition will have the ball most of the time. I doubt we’ll be able to dictate play the way we usually do in South Africa,” Cardoso said before the squad departed for the USA.
Sundowns is not just aiming for a deep run, but for continental pride and a shot at becoming the first African team to lift the new-format Club World Cup trophy.
