Mamelodi Sundowns Earning Respect in Brazil Ahead of 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

Mamelodi Sundowns are beginning to capture global attention, especially in Brazil, as they prepare to represent Africa at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup set for June 14 to July 13 in the United States. Their reputation as CAF Champions League finalists and serial Premier Soccer League (PSL) winners is drawing respect from the footballing world—including from South American pundits and former professionals.

Sundowns head into the tournament as South Africa’s most dominant club, having clinched their eighth consecutive PSL title. Their presence in the CAF Champions League final further solidifies their status as a continental powerhouse. These achievements have earned them a coveted spot in Group F of the Club World Cup, where they will face German giants Borussia Dortmund, South Korean side Ulsan HD, and Brazilian heavyweights Fluminense.

The Brazilians’ final group match will be against Fluminense on June 25—a clash that is already generating buzz. Fluminense, winners of the 2023 Copa Libertadores, are coached by Renato Gaucho and captained by Brazilian legend Thiago Silva. Their forward line is spearheaded by Argentine striker Germán Cano, who is no stranger to South African football circles. In a twist of fate, Sundowns turned down the chance to sign Cano five years ago when he was leaving Colombia’s Independiente Medellin at age 32.

Now 37, Cano is one of Fluminense’s biggest threats, but many in Brazil believe Sundowns are well-positioned to compete—and even surprise. One of those voices is Freitas Camilo, a retired Brazilian player who once turned out for Orlando Pirates and remains a keen observer of South African football.

“This is the stage for Sundowns to show their worth to the rest of the world,” said Camilo. “With Sundowns having won eight league titles in a row and playing in the Champions League, it means you have to take them seriously. I respect them, and this is the time for many people here in Brazil to realise that they are a serious team.”

Camilo also noted that Fluminense, though talented, are not at the peak of their powers following recent coaching changes. “Last year, Fluminense were very good when they played Manchester City in the final. But right now, it is not the same. They’ve dropped a bit. Sundowns must not allow them to control the game,” he explained.

He added that Sundowns’ pace and tactical discipline could give them the edge, especially given the South African club’s experience with international competition and the strong South American presence in their squad.

“Sundowns play very fast and will capitalise on that. They have a lot of international players, while Fluminense only have one or two. The other interesting part is that Sundowns have a lot of South Americans in their team who are familiar with Fluminense, including the two Brazilians—Lucas Ribeiro Costa and Arthur Sales,” Camilo highlighted.

As the countdown to the Club World Cup continues, Sundowns are not just representing South Africa—they are carrying the hopes of the entire continent. Their clash with Fluminense could be one of the most intriguing showdowns of the tournament, and with the eyes of Brazil now firmly on them, Masandawana have a golden opportunity to make history on the global stage.