Mamelodi Sundowns’ standing in as CAF Champions League finalists and serial PSL winners has come with recognition from Brazil ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Sundowns are heading out to the Club World Cup to run from June 14 to July 13 in USA.
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This will come after lifting their eighth league title in a row and after playing in the CAF Champions League final.
Sundowns play Brazilian giants Fluminense on June 25 in the last match in the last match in Group F which features Borussia Dortmund (Germany) and Ulsan HD (South Korea).
Fluminense were the winners of the 2023 Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores and are coached by Renato Gaucho with Thiago Silva as captain.
Upfront they feature Argentine striker German Cano (37) who Sundowns turned down five years ago after he was offered to the club.
Cano was 32 at the time and was leaving Colombian club Independiente Medelin.
"This is the stage for Sundowns to show their worth to the rest of the world," says retired Brazilian Freitas Camilo, who played for Orlando Pirates.
"You obviously know and understand that I follow and understand South African football so I know Sundowns will be there to compete.
"With Sundowns having won eight league titles in a row and playing in the Champions League, it means you have to take them seriously.
"I respect them, and this is the time for many people here to realise that they are a serious team which can take advantage at this tournament.
"Last year, Fluminense were very good when they played Manchester City in the final (2023) which they lost.
"But right now, it is not the same and they have dropped a bit with the change of coaches and all.
"They have a good team that controls the ball and passes the ball well and that is what Sundowns need to look out for.
"They shouldn’t leave Fluminense to control the game.
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"The Brazilian team must know that Sundowns plays very fast and will capitalise on that.
"Sundowns have a lot of international players while Fluminense have one or two.
"The other interesting part is that Sundowns have a lot of South Americans in their team who are familiar with Fluminense including the two Brazilians (Lucas Ribeiro Costa and Arthur Sales)," says Camilo.
