Exclusive: Hlompho Kekana Sees Club World Cup as Key Platform for South African Footballers

Mamelodi Sundowns have been showing their strength both locally and across the continent. Their consistent success over the years has earned them recognition as one of the top clubs in the world. Now, they have the chance to prove themselves against some of the best teams on the global stage.

The Brazilians are set to make their second appearance at the FIFA Club World Cup, which will be held in the United States in less than two weeks. 

As the tournament adopts an expanded format for the first time, with 32 teams participating, it marks a historic milestone for a club that has spent the past decade consistently breaking records.

An opportunity to shine at the world stage

The Pretoria-based side finds itself in a group alongside South Korean outfit Ulsan Hyundai, Brazilian giants Fluminense, and German heavyweights Borussia Dortmund.

Former Sundowns captain Hlompho Kekana, who was part of the team during their first Club World Cup appearance, spoke ahead of the upcoming tournament, and he expressed his pride in what this opportunity means for the club and for South African football as a whole.

“We should be proud as a country that one of our teams is representing us at the FIFA Club World Cup. Kekana told Sportsboom.co.za. 

“It's a world stage, and for the club, we are excited, and we are giving the players the platform to go and show what South African football is all about.”

“You’d want to see some of the players giving themselves the opportunity. There are the younger players that I would like to see go overseas, but this is a nice platform to showcase to the world.”

“More than anything, they are selling the product of South African football to the world, and it will be nice to see what the reception of it will be.”

Sundowns have been a mainstay in top-tier competitions, not only in South Africa but across the African continent. 

Their victory in the 2016 CAF Champions League under coach Pitso Mosimane was a defining moment in their rise to the top of South African football. 

Along with Orlando Pirates, they remain the only South African clubs to have lifted the prestigious continental trophy.

Their recent triumph in the inaugural African Football League further solidifies their status as one of the continent's biggest clubs and undoubtedly one of South Africa’s footballing powerhouses. They capped off this past season with their eighth consecutive domestic league title.

Taking lessons at every opportunity

Their last Club World Cup appearance in 2016, hosted in Japan, served as a tough lesson about the level of competition on the global stage, with two defeats in the two matches they played. 

Nearly 10 years later, they return to the tournament equipped with more experience and greater maturity, having honed their skills across the continent.

Kekana, who featured in that 2016 campaign, believes every competition the club has played in has contributed to its evolution and current strength.

“There are levels to this game, and the players who played the World Cup will tell you that it's a different level. The players that played in the Champions League often do not see the game the same.”

“There are also players that play in the local Premier Soccer League (PSL) who will tell you how difficult the PSL is, and it's the same for the National First Division.”

“So for these players to go as far as the Club World Cup, it's a bigger level because you will get to play against players that you will hardly ever see in a FIFA World Cup because their countries never participate in a World Cup."

“But they are given opportunities to participate in that space. It's a big stage for players, and they would like to compete in that space against the best in the world, and it's lovely to see.”

Picking up the pieces after CAF Champions League disappointment

After a disappointing defeat (3-2 aggregate) to Pyramids FC in the final of the CAF Champions League almost two weeks ago, the Brazilians have little time to reflect, as their focus must quickly shift to the upcoming tournament.

Despite their domestic dominance, this was only their second Champions League final since their maiden triumph in 2016. Reflecting on the recent loss, Kekana remains confident in the team’s ability to move forward.

“It’s key to be participating in such a tournament after the recent disappointment,” he continued

“The players are trained for this. Whether you're winning or losing, you still have to dust yourself off and go forward because Sundowns doesn't stop playing.”

“They are headed into the Club World Cup now, and when they return, they will be having pre-season. Soon after that, they’ll move into the MTN8 competition, and that is how the schedule generally goes in this team.”

“What I like about this team is they embrace such moments. They train for these moments, and I love that they continue to do well under the circumstances.”