Dortmund Boss Braces for Sundowns Sowdown in Steamy Club World Cup Clash

As the temperature rises in Ohio ahead of a much-anticipated Club World Cup clash, Borussia Dortmund head coach Niko Kovac is keeping a close eye on the heat — both from the weather and from South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns.

The German giants are set to face the Betway Premiership champions in their second Group F encounter this Saturday at the TQL Stadium, and it’s not just the quality of the opposition that has Kovac concerned.

“This is Something New” Dortmund Feeling the Pressure

Following a tense opening stalemate against Brazil’s Fluminense, Kovac admitted his squad struggled to adapt to the sweltering humidity and less-than-ideal pitch conditions in New Jersey.

Speaking to DAZN after the match, he said, “It was a tough game, as we expected. Fluminense is a top team with a very possession-based style. We had some difficulties, especially in the first half.”

He added that the humidity took its toll on the players — something that might prove even more challenging in Ohio, where hot and sticky conditions are once again forecast.

“The Brazilians are more used to that kind of weather. It wasn’t easy for us,” he said. “We were running a lot. We’ll take the point, but we know we have to do better.”

Sundowns Style? More Brazilian Than You’d Think

South African champions Sundowns opened their campaign with a confident 1-0 win over Korea’s Ulsan HD, thanks to a composed finish from Iqraam Rayners. Kovac, who has coached at top clubs like Bayern Munich, Monaco, and Wolfsburg, isn’t underestimating the Pretoria-based outfit.

In fact, he sees a similarity in styles between Sundowns and their South American counterparts.

“Sundowns play more like the Brazilian team,” he told iDiski Times. “It’s a bit more controlled, more about keeping the ball. It’s something nice and different because you’re not used to playing three completely different styles in one group.”

While Dortmund may be the more recognisable name in global football, it’s clear they’re preparing for a battle against a confident, technical side with growing international pedigree.

Local Pride and Global Opportunity

For South African fans, this match represents more than just a group-stage fixture. It’s a moment of validation for a club that has dominated locally but is now proving it can mix it with the world’s best.

Sundowns fans have taken to social media in anticipation of the clash, with many calling it one of the club’s most exciting fixtures in recent years. On X, one user wrote: “We beat Al Ahly. We beat Wydad. Now let’s see how we handle Borussia Dortmund. This is what dreams are made of.”

Saturday’s match promises to be a compelling contest of styles — European discipline versus African flair — in weather that might favour the more adaptable squad. Kovac knows it, and South Africa is watching.

Source:Sabc Sport

Read More: Mamelodi Sundowns Claim Emotional Club World Cup Victory in Florida

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com