FIFA Club World Cup: Williams Determined to Secure Knockout Round Berth
Mamelodi Sundowns may arrive at the FIFA Club World Cup licking their wounds after a painful CAF Champions League final defeat. However, captain Ronwen Williams remains confident that the team can rise to the occasion on the global stage.
The continental runners-up will represent the country in the United States this month. They aim to go further than ever before in a tournament showcasing the best from every corner of the football world. While morale took a hit after their recent loss, Williams insists that the Brazilians still have the quality and determination to fight for a place in the knockout stages.
FIFA Club World Cup: A Challenging Path Ahead
The Tshwane giants find themselves in Group F alongside stiff competition: South Korea’s Ulsan HD, Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund, and Brazil’s Fluminense. Only the top two teams will progress to the next round, making every match a high-stakes encounter.
Dortmund are favorites to top the group. Nonetheless, a fierce battle is expected between Fluminense and Sundowns for the second qualifying spot. Fluminense, who were runners-up in last year’s edition of the tournament—falling short to Manchester City in the final—are not to be underestimated.
Despite the calibre of the opponents, Williams believes that sticking to their philosophy will be key.
Staying True to Their Identity
“We don’t want to change who we are just because of the quality of the teams we’re facing,” Williams said. “We have to remain true to our style, stick to our football identity, and trust in what got us here in the first place.”
He added that confidence is still high in the camp, and the players are determined to give a good account of themselves. “We believe in our system and our ability. It will be difficult, no doubt. However, we have enough in us to advance from the group.”
The Sundowns captain shared his admiration for the energy and focus shown during training sessions leading up to the tournament. “You can feel the intensity and desire in the group. We’re motivated to show the world what we’re about.”
A Milestone Moment for Club and Country
Sundowns qualified for the Club World Cup through CAF’s rankings system. They earned their spot as the second-highest ranked eligible African team between 2021 and 2024. They join fellow African representatives Al Ahly, Wydad Casablanca, and Espérance in flying the continental flag.
For Williams, the honour of playing on such a grand stage is not taken lightly.
“This is a historic moment for our club and for our country. It’s a dream come true. We’ve worked incredibly hard across multiple competitions to get to this point,” he said.
Although the timing is bittersweet—coming just weeks after their CAF Champions League heartbreak—Williams believes the team must now shift their focus entirely to the Club World Cup.
“We would’ve loved to arrive here as champions of Africa, no doubt, but that’s not how things turned out. So now we have to regroup, dig deep, and make this tournament count.”
Eyes on the Prize
Sundowns might be underdogs in a group full of footballing giants. Nevertheless, their captain’s words reflect a team determined not to just participate—but to compete. The hunger is evident. The belief is firm, and for Williams and his teammates, this is more than just another tournament.
It’s a chance to put South African football on the world map once again.
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