Can Sundowns now go where no African team has gone before?
JOHANNESBURG: Pitso Mosimane will need to continue his record-setting spree if Mamelodi Sundowns are to end Africa’s generally poor record at the Fifa Club World Cup.
The Brazilians arrived in South Africa this morning with gold medals around their necks following their Caf Champions League triumph in Alexandria at the weekend. And no doubt many a South African would love to see them add the global title to their name.
That would be easier said than done, though, what with the great Real Madrid also in the competition that will take place in Japan from December 8-18. But there’s also the fact that Africa hasn’t had a good run in the competition that started 16 years ago.
Only twice have African teams reached the final, with TP Mazembe losing 3-0 to Inter Milan in 2010 and Raja Casablanca falling 2-0 to Bayern Munich in 2013.
Those are the exception and not the norm, as Caf’s representatives at the tournament have generally been the whipping boys. Six times they have finished in sixth place and twice in seventh place.
In 34 matches played at the tournament, African teams have only won nine times and suffered defeat an astonishing 22 times, statistics that tell a sad tale of the continent’s lowly standing in world football.
Many South Africans are of the view that Sundowns won’t have a problem overcoming their potential first opponents, Auckland City of New Zealand. Yet, while the Kiwis are more into the oval-ball game than the round one, they cannot be taken for granted. City previously beat Etoile du Sahel in the competition in the past and there can be no denying that the Tunisians are a formidable opposition.
City will play against the Japanese J1 League champions in their first-round match, with the winner going on to meet Sundowns who will probably prefer not to meet the host nation side in front of their home supporters.
Yet, having won just about all there is to win for a SA club coach, Mosimane will likely welcome all comers.
After all, Sundowns’ participation at the prestigious world event was not even part of his plan for this year, Pitso Mosimane having initially targeted Champions League success for next year. But when his club, already knocked out of both the Champions League, received a re-entry after AS Vita were kicked out, Mosimane and his boys grabbed the chance.
Now, they are in line to mix it up with the world’s big guns where they are guaranteed at least two matches, the second round clash as well as a playoff for fifth spot should they not win that one.
In previous years, Mosimane has spoken highly of Mazembe and how their success on the continent inspires him. He is sure to head to Japan looking to at least emulate the side from DR Congo. And following their incredible run in the Champions League, can anyone rule against Sundowns improving on Africa’s pathetic showing at the global showpiece?