Sundowns Head to Club World Cup with a Warning: “We Won’t Dominate Possession”

Coach Miguel Cardoso Says the Pretoria Side Must Mentally Shift Gears Ahead of Their Biggest Global Test Yet

The skies above Pretoria may still carry echoes of Mamelodi Sundowns’ domestic dominance, but the air in the United States will be different — and coach Miguel Cardoso knows it.

As the reigning PSL kings head into the revamped 32-team FIFA Club World Cup , Cardoso has sounded a sobering warning: Sundowns must prepare to play without the ball. A bold statement, especially for a team known to boss over 70% possession week in, week out on South African soil.

“We are used to controlling matches in the South African league,” Cardoso admitted before boarding for the States. “But at this level, we will likely spend long periods chasing the game.”

From Pretoria to the World Stage

Drawn in Group F with German side Borussia Dortmund, Brazilian heavy weights, Fluminense, and South Korean side Ulsan, the Sundowns are very much the underdogs. And while they’re carrying South Africa and Africa’s hopes on their shoulders, the challenge is real.

Cardoso, who has coached across Europe and recently led Tunisia’s Esperance to a league title and Champions League final, is not under any illusions. “Dortmund play fast, high-intensity football. It’s unlike anything our players see regularly on the continent,” he explained.

Themba Zwane, Our Messi, Left Out in the Cold

One of the most heated talking points back home isn’t even about tactics. It’s about Themba Zwane.

At 35, Zwane remains one of the PSL’s most beloved midfielders, often compared to Lionel Messi by die-hard fans. But Cardoso controversially left him out of the CAF Champions League final, which the team lost to Pyramids FC — and Mzansi hasn’t forgotten.

“He is our Lionel Messi and should have started or come off the bench,” said former Sundowns player Joel Masilela. “Cardoso cost us the title.”

Despite Zwane’s absence in that final, he’s on the plane to the Club World Cup, and all eyes will be on whether he gets a redemption arc.

A Multinational Mix with Local Soul

Cardoso’s 26-man squad is mostly South African, backed by imports like Brazilian striker Lucas Ribeiro, who topped the local scoring charts, and seasoned Ugandan keeper Denis Onyango, now 40.

Youngster Kutlwano Letlhaku, just 19, is one of the new faces. But it’s the core of familiar names — Ronwen Williams, Teboho Mokoena, Khuliso Mudau — that fans hope will rise to the occasion.

Williams, notably, became a national hero during AFCON 2024 after his four penalty saves against Cape Verde, CAF Awards, and ackowledgement as one of the 10 best keepers in the world at last years prestigious Ballon D’or Awards in Paris.

“We Represent Africa”

This tournament isn’t just a test of tactics , it’s a matter of pride. Alongside Sundowns, African giants Al Ahly, Wydad Casablanca, and Cardoso’s former club Esperance are flying the continent’s flag in a competition that has often been dominated by European and South American sides. “Obviously, we are excited as a team,” said a Sundowns spokesperson. “But more than that, we are excited to represent Africa as a whole.”

The Pretoria-based side may not be favourites in the group, but with smart adaptation and moments of individual brilliance, the Brazilians of Africa might just surprise a few global heavyweights.

Can Sundowns Deliver Despite Adversity? 

Sundowns’ trip to the US is more than just a football story, it’s a reflection of where South African football stands on the global stage. With challenges ahead and the ghosts of past finals still lingering, Cardoso’s biggest test will not just be tactical, but mental.

Can the champions of South Africa learn to fight without the ball, and still shine?

Source:Super Sport

Read More: Mamelodi Sundwos Keeper Ronwen Williams Inspired by CAF Awards

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