Who are Mamelodi Sundowns?

South African outfit Mamelodi Sundowns get set to take part in the inaugural edition of the newly-formed Club World Cup, facing Ulsan HD in their opening contest.

Where are Mamelodi Sundowns from?

Mamelodi Sundowns are based in Pretoria, South Africa, where they compete in the South African Premiership.

History

Founded in 1970, Mamelodi Sundowns are the most successful side in the South African Premiership, winning the title on 15 different occasions.

They won their first title under Romanian manager Ted Dumitru in 1998, following up their success in the following two terms to become the first team to win the South African Premiership on three consecutive occasions.

They became just the second South African team to win the CAF Champions League in 2016, following in the footsteps of domestic competitors Orlando Pirates.

Nicknames

• Bafana ba Style (The Stylish Guys)
• 'Masandawana'
• 'Ka bo Yellow'
• 'Shoe Shine and Piano'
• 'The Brazilians'

Notable Players

Current Players

Mamelodi Sundowns aren't exactly littered with notable players, with Lucas Ribeiro Costa emerging as the player to watch at the Club World Cup.

He scored 16 times and registered nine assists in the 2024/25 league campaign for Sundowns as his side won their eighth consecutive title.

Iqraam Rayners and Arthur Sales are amongst the team's better performers, but their defensive record, conceding just 13 times in 28 games last term, means their backline shouldn't be overlooked.

Themba Zwane leads the way as the club's top appearance maker with 418 games for the club.

Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was nominated for the Yashin Trophy at the 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony, making history in becoming the first African-based goalkeeper to be shortlisted for the award.

Former Players

While current players Peter Shalulile and Themba Zwane lead the way as the club's two all-time top goalscorers, the retired Katlego Mphela takes third spot in the list, leaving the club in 2014 with 50 goals.

Hlompho Kekana made 343 appearances for Mamelodi Sundowns, retiring at the club in 2021 after 10 successful years.

How did Mamelodi Sundowns qualify for the 2025 Club World Cup?

Mamelodi Sundowns are one of just four CAF teams competing in the Club World Cup and qualify as the second-best ranked eligible team in the four-year ranking system.

Finishing sixth in the 2016 edition of the competition, they will hope to improve in the new highly anticipated format.

Mamelodi Sundowns Club World Cup group

• Borussia Dortmund
• Fluminense
• Mamelodi Sundowns
• Ulsan HD