Former Chipolopolo goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene says Mamelodi Sundowns are working hard behind the scenes to make sure they are ready for the 2025 FIFA Club World.
The 2012 AFCON winner is aware of the tough group that awaits Masandawana at the global showpiece but believes the first game will be key to their tournament.
Mweene, Who was appointed goalkeeper trainer at Mamelodi Sundowns last December is Africa’s second-highest-scoring goalkeeper with 13 goals for club and country, seven behind record holder, Nigerian legend Vincent Enyeama.
“The group where we are, it’s not an easy group, we have Borussia Dortmund, Fluminense and Ulsan from South Korea,” Mweene said.
“Look, I think the most important thing for us will be taking one game at a time and our first game is very important because it sets a tone and we are playing a South Korean team, it’s not easy. In 2016 we played a team from South Korea and they gave us a lot of problems and we know what to expect. There are a lot of things we are doing behind the scenes. We watch a lot of games for Borussia Dortmund, we check what Fluminense is doing. We always check on what Ulsan is doing in terms of the league, because it’s not an easy team, the most dangerous teams are those unknown like the team from South Korea. It also shows that they are coming from a very competitive league. “
“We are not leaving any stone unturned, we are trying by all means to see if we can get most games for the teams in our group. It won’t be easy but we are working hard to do our best and do well at the World Cup,” he added.
Mweene has asked the continent to rally behind the four representatives who feels have proved with good football and a pedigree of getting results.
“For me I think all African representatives are very good teams. When you look at Ahly, Wydad, Esperance, as well as our team. These are teams that go all the way in the CAF Champions League and have a pedigree of playing good football and getting results. Africans must rally behind the four teams, and as you know we are the only four teams that are representing the continent and we expect Africans to support each and every team,” he said.
“ The four teams are known throughout the continent and known for playing good football. We don’t want to disappoint Africa at large as we go to the tournament. So we are working hard behind the scenes. We are doing everything possible so that when we go there the team is ready. “
Sundowns were drawn in Group F of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, set to take place in the United States.
Group F places Sundowns against Brazilian giants Fluminense, Germany’s Borussia Dortmund, and South Korea’s Ulsan Hyundai.
The expanded 32-team format of the Club World Cup, which runs from June 15 to July 13, provides African clubs a golden opportunity to showcase their quality.
All African teams face formidable opponents, but the top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage, offering a pathway to create history.
GROUPS ;
Al Ahly (Egypt): Group A – SE Palmeiras (Brazil), FC Porto (Portugal), Inter Miami CF (USA).
Espérance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia): Group D – CR Flamengo (Brazil), Chelsea (England), Club León (Mexico).
Wydad AC (Morocco): Group G – Manchester City (England), Juventus (Italy), Al Ain (UAE).
