Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye has predicted Mamelodi Sundowns to start with a draw in their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup opener against Ulsan HD.
Masandawana kick off their tournament against South Korean side Ulsan, who similar like Sundowns qualified via the ranking pathway in the Asia.
Sundowns need to get a good result in their opener before facing Borussia Dortmund and Brazilian side Fluminense, but Khanye questions whether Miguel Cardoso’s tactics will see them pick up a win.
“To be honest, I don’t know much of that team. I need to be straightforward,” Khanye, who recently started his own Junior Khanye TV Youtube channel, told this website.
“I was talking to Farouk Khan, and he told me some Asian countries like Japan are sending coaches to Brazil to go and learn there and adapt.
“And I’m not surprised when I see Japanese [national team] how they play, and Japan and Korea are neighbours.
“But it’s tricky, I haven’t seen the team. I don’t know much of the team, but it’s not by mistake that they are there. It means, they have qualified.
“But they are playing against one of the best teams in Africa, and a very good, assembled squad with experienced players and age still on their side, who recently lost in the Champions League final, and recently won the Betway Premiership.
“They have dominated South African football for many years, but I think the coach, that’s where I differ. I’m not a fan of the defensive approach of the coach.
“Individually a very strong squad. They’ve got that first starting 11, top notch with national team players, and there are actually national team players on the bench.
“They are used to international football. I’m talking about African football, international African football. But now this is a different story. You’re going to play international football against these European, South American and Asian teams.
“Sundowns is a well-structured team, and it’s not going to be so easy to beat them. I’m not saying Sundowns are going to win, or Ulsan is going to win. I suspect a draw; it’s going to be a 0-0.
“I wish Sundowns would play more attacking, but the coach likes to focus on defence. I doubt they can win a game at the tournament. I wish coach Pitso Mosimane or Rulani Mokwena would coach the team at the Club World Cup.”
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