Mamelodi Sundowns will meet Fluminense in a winner-takes-all clash on Wednesday to determine who advances to the last 16 of the Club World Cup, and they aim to uphold the attacking flair that has earned them the nickname “The Brazilians.”
Founded in 1970 in Pretoria, Sundowns adopted Brazil’s iconic yellow, green-trimmed shirts and blue shorts right from the start. Cape Town supporters often do double takes when the team appears in what looks like the Seleção’s kit on matchday.
But the connection runs deeper than mere similarity in colour palette. According to club communications, Sundowns have modelled their style on Brazil’s national side, aiming to emulate their fluid, possession-based, high-pressing game.
The philosophy is embedded in their DNA: dominate possession, attack with width and pace, and ensure the beautiful game is always on display.
This season, Sundowns’ dominance is especially clear. In their last ten matches, the team recorded a minimum of 59% possession, even reaching an impressive 81% ball control in domestic league matches.
Their approach favours continuous movement, dynamic passing, and relentless creativity. As Brazilian forward Arthur Sales put it, “We want to play like the Seleção… We try to get closer to the Brazilian style in everything we do.”
Arthur’s endorsement is significant, considering he hails from Brazil himself. He offered insight in a recent interview, explaining that not only do Sundowns admire Brazil’s flair, but their passion for the way they play has even reminded Brazilian players of their own footballing identity.
“Even we Brazilians don’t admire Brazilian football as much as they do,” he admitted. “When we see them, we say to ourselves: ‘We too should be as passionate about our football.’”
Arthur further highlighted the cultural shift fostered by Sundowns’ philosophy. Opponents are hesitant to challenge a team that controls possession so relentlessly. “By playing the same way, they respect us. They don’t come and rush us.”
Off the pitch, Sundowns have dominated South African football, winning eight straight league titles and developing numerous talents. Their squad has strikers, wingers, midfield runners, and goalkeepers all developing in service of one style that mirrors Brazil’s football blueprint.
Among the squad are technical virtuosos and leaders, including national team goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who was nominated for the Yashin Trophy in 2024.
Midfield orchestrators Themba Zwane and Tebogo Mokoena bring experience, while creative wingers and rising stars such as Thapelo Maseko and defender Malibongwe Khoza ensure the future is bright.
The blend of experience and youth demonstrates the club’s intention to compete now while building for what lies ahead.
This attacking ethos has earned them another nickname: “Bafana Ba Style,” or “Boys with Style” in Portuguese. It’s a moniker fans and analysts use to describe how Sundowns approach every match with flair, precision, and poise.
As they prepare to face Fluminense in Group F’s decisive fixture, having already beaten Ulsan and lost to Dortmund, the spotlight remains on whether they can carry their distinctive style into the knockout rounds.
The stage is bigger, the opposition tougher, but Sundowns remain committed to the same approach—play beautiful football, dominate the ball, and win with style.
𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐋𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐙𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐒. 🇿🇦🤝🇧🇷
A huge test awaits in our final #FIFACWC group stage clash. 🙌
Drop your score predictions in the comments below.👇@FIFACWC | June 14 – July 13 | Every Game | Free | https://t.co/oOJsiGaK7L | #FIFACWC |… pic.twitter.com/4NaSWZDwHc
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) June 24, 2025
