Mamelodi Sundowns captain Themba Zwane has dismissed notions that they will just be another side adding numbers when they travel to partake in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the Americas.
The Brazilians are gearing towards making their mark on the global stage after qualifying for the showpiece despite this past season’s CAF Champions League calamity. They suffered elimination at the hands of ES Tunis in the semi-finals for the second season running.
Masandawana will take up one of the four African berths alongside Club of the Century Al Ahly, Wydad Casablanca, and Tunis. ‘Mshishi’ has admitted that even though they are ready to compete and showcase what South Africa has in store for the competition, it will also be a case of learning and improving.
“We are not going there to just add numbers. We are highly motivated to go to the FIFA Club World Cup and compete, playing our brand of football against the best teams in the competition,” Zwane told the Mamelodi Sundowns magazine.
“It’s a stage that every professional player would want to show their talent and skill and gauge their standard.
“Our experience in AFCON showed us the standard and quality of continental talent, and we adjusted well. We played against players that play club football in Europe and you could see the standard and quality of football in the tournament. We’re ready, but still growing and improving.”
The defending Betway Premiership and African Football League champions are expected to have a busy 2024/25 schedule where they will be partaking in at least six different competitions.
