With Mamelodi Sundowns having left a unique imprint during the FIFA Club World Cup campaign that fell one goal short of a quarterfinal qualification, skipper Ronwen Williams has done a debrief.
Sundowns were held to a 0-0 draw by Brazilian side Fluminense in their final group stage match at the Club World Cup in Miami on Wednesday.
Their record of one win, a defeat and a draw betrays the manner in which they went about their business, especially almost stealing a draw and bossing possession against European powerhouse Borussia Dotmund.
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Ultimately, they will look back at the tournament with a kind of joy tinged with sadness, having mostly suffered from their mistakes. These sentiments were shared by club vice-captain Williams.
"We had so many chances throughout the tournament, and our efficiency, our conversion rate is probably not the best. But I’m just proud of the boys for the effort, the fight and the ability to play our own football," Williams told journalists post-match.
"It’s what we are proud of. People thought we would come here and be defensive, but no, we played our football. So, I’m proud of the boys, there are a lot of lessons to take, definitely.
"We can only be proud… We have put Sundowns and South African football on the map, people will take a keen interest now.
"Before we came here, our objective was four points, and we thought it would be enough. Normally, it’s enough, but it wasn’t to be. We know (that) where we let ourselves down was the Dortmund game," he added.
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Despite their exit, the Tshwane giants achieved multiple milestones on the global stage.
They became the first South African team to participate in the new-look 32-team Club World Cup, while striker Iqraam Rayners became the first African player to score in successive matches at the global showpiece.
"We’re so disappointed but also proud of the achievement. We came here with an objective. We wanted to go to the next round, it wasn’t to be, but the ability to play our football, compete and show we can compete at this level, it’s amazing," concluded the Gqeberha native.
