Mamelodi Sundowns’ squad, which left from the OR Tambo Airport late afternoon on Sunday, had two teenagers aiming to take further shots at first-team football next season.
Sundowns’ travelling contingent was led by the club’s Sporting Director, Flemming Berg, with Miguel Cardoso and Steve Komphela in the technical team.
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Komphela spoke to the media about how they have moved on from the CAF Champions League disappointment.
"That is gone, and we have to look at the next (item) on the calendar.
"It is a different calendar, we have to embrace the next challenge, and it should also give us excitement that now we are going to the Club World Cup.
"In as much as we have picked pieces from what we went through in the Champions League, we are excited to go to the USA.
"Moreso to compete with the best clubs in the world, it is a Club World Cup," said Komphela.
The players in sight in the goalkeeping department included Ronwen Williams, Denis Onyango, and Reyaard Pieterse.
Then the defence had Mothobi Mvala, Divine Lunga, Aubrey Modiba, Thapelo Morena, Mosa Lebusa, Keanu Cupido, Grant Kekana, Khuliso Mudau, and Malibongwe Khoza,
The midfielders included Neo Maema, Siyabonga Mabena, Teboho Mokoena, Themba Zwane, Marcelo Allende, Jayden Adams, Bathusi Aubaas, Tashreeq Matthews, and Sphelele Mkhulise.
Up front, it was Peter Shalulile out first, followed by Lucas Ribeiro, Arthur Sales, Lebogang Mothiba, Kutlwano Letlhaku, and Iqraam Rayners.
Of interest was the inclusion of Mabena and Letlhaku.
Mabena travelled after having played 73 minutes during the 2024/25 season.
The 18-year-old is the youngest in the travelling squad.
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Letlhaku returned from success with Amajita at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations to get a place in the travelling team.
He had 15 appearances and got to put his first full shift in the first team when he scored a brace against Polokwane City in November.
Photo: Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images
