Club World Cup Profile: Mamelodi Sundowns

The last African club that will participate in this year’s Club World Cup is South African side Mamelodi Sundowns. The club has won 34 titles in its history as a club. Mamelodi Sundowns will look to make history and make waves on the global stage as they are returning to a FIFA competition for the first time in a decade. The South African Premiership side will be competing in Group F of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup alongside Fluminese, Borussia Dortmund, and Ulsan HD. They open their CWC campaign against Ulsan HD at Inter&Co Stadium on June 17th at 6:00 PM ET.

Route to Qualification:

Qualification for the CWC was reached by Mamelodi Sundowns via the CAF ranking pathway. The club’s frequent participation from 2020-24 in the CAF Champions League with appearances in the quarterfinals and semifinals helped them book a ticket to the international stage of the Club World Cup.

(photo courtesy of FIFA)

Historical Facts:

1960s- Club was initially established by a young group in Pretoria called the Marabastad Sundowns.

1967- Member of the Federation of Professional Soccer League. Reached the finals of the Coca Cola Cup, losing 5-3 to Berea United.

1970- The start of their journey as an official club. People called the club “the Brazilians” because of their yellow, blue, and green kit. The flair that the team has often been associated with has led them to be given the name “Bafana ba Style” (Boys with style).

1980- Sundowns suffered relegation and was playing in the second division of the National Professional Soccer League for five years.

1985- Former South African businessman Zola Mahobe purchased Sundown. He had an immediate impact on the club as they were able to be promoted back to the first division.

1986- The South African club won the Mainstay Cup after a 1-0 win over Jomo Cosmos, its first major trophy since being promoted back to the top flight.

1987- Sundowns achieved success on many fronts. They had won BP Top Eight, the JPS Cup, and the Castle League Championship.

1988- Owner Zola Mahobe was arrested. Standard Bank took over as new ownership of Sundown in 1988.

1989- The Krok Brothers acquired Sundowns from Standard Bank in 1988. Angelo and Natasha Tsichlas would later join with the Krok Brothers.

1998- Champions of the South African Championship, first ever South African Championship league title. The club would go on and win the title once again in 1999 and 2000.

2001- Played in the CAF Champions League final, losing 4-1 on aggregate to Egyptian side Al-Ahly.

2003- Dr. Patrice Motsepe purchased 51% of the club.

2004- Motsepe purchased the remaining 49% of the club, obtaining full ownership.

2006-2007- Sundowns won the league for two seasons in a row.

2016- Won the CAF Champions League for the first time after a 3-1 victory on aggregate in a two legged final against Egyptian side Zamalek FC. Also made their first ever appearance in the Club World Cup, finishing in 6th place in 2016. They were the first club from South Africa to participate in a Club World Cup tournament.

2017- Won the CAF Super Cup after a 1-0 win over TP Mazembe. Ricardo Nascimento scored the game winning goal in the 83rd minute from the penalty spot.

Most Important Player: Lucas Ribeiro

Lucas Ribeiro has been an influential player for the Sundowns this season. The 26 year old Brazilian international has 20 goals and 13 assists in all competitions this season for the South African side. Mamelodi Sundowns manager Miguel Cardoso believes that Ribeiro has the ability to play at a high international level. He is a player that troubles defences with his speed and flair. Additionally, Ribeiro is a great goalscorer and chance creator. He is a well-rounded attacker that could cause problems for opposing teams in the Club World Cup.

Potential Breakout Player: Siyabonga Mabena

Siyabonga Mabena is a young South African prospect for Sundowns to watch during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Mabena has played little this season but the Club World Cup could present a good opportunity for him to showcase himself. The 18 year old South African international garnered attention after scoring nine goals in five matches at the regional Cosafa U-17 Championship in 2022. The Guardian named Mabena as one of the best 60 young talents in world football in 2024.

Season Outlook:

The Sundowns won their eighth consecutive South African Premiership title under Miguel Cardoso. Their season record was 24W-1D-3L. They are aiming to win the CAF Champions League for the first time since 2016 when they play Egyptian Premier League side Pyramids FC in the second leg of the CAF Champions League Final on June 1st at 1:00 PM ET. The current aggregate score is 1-1.