Mamelodi Sundowns’ veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango and defender Mothobi Mvala has singled out the one team he’s most excited to face at the upcoming Fifa Club World Cup, set to kick off on 15 June.
Sundowns have been drawn into Group F alongside German giants Borussia Dortmund, Brazilian side Fluminense, and South Korea’s Ulsan HD.
Speaking at the Carling Black Label and Sundowns partnership launch in Johannesburg, the pair shared their excitement for the “Battle of the Brazilians” against Fluminense, set for 25 June at Hard Rock Stadium.
"To be honest, it’s a tough group, and we’re up against some very good teams. I know that Fluminense is a club that loves to play with the ball, and teams like that will really test us in terms of our own style of play. What you can expect against Fluminense is a lot of ball possession, goals, exciting football — and definitely no parking the bus,” said Mvala.
The Bafana Bafana and Sundowns defender has just returned to action after a lengthy injury layoff and says he’s ready to take on Pep Guardiola’s side — but insists it’s a challenge they will have to earn.
“I also mentioned Manchester City — that’s another team we’d love to test ourselves against. But to get that opportunity, we first need to take care of business in the group stage," added Mvala
ONYANGO BRACE FOR "BRAZILIANS DERBY"
Onyango echoed Mvala’s sentiments about the Brazilian side Fluminense, further describing the upcoming clash as the “Battle of the Brazilians.” Sundowns, affectionately known as the Brazilians due to their flair and kit colors inspired by Brazil’s national team.
"Of course, I chose Flu because the club shares a nickname with Sundowns – the Brazilians. We really want to see how far we can go, pound for pound, against them. The beautiful football they play excites me,” said the 40-year old goalkeeper.
“What I saw last season, when they played in the Club World Cup against Manchester City, really stood out. From the goalkeeper, no one kicks the ball long – they build from the back. That’s something we want to adopt because it aligns with our own philosophy of 'Shoe Shine and Piano,' as the club calls it,” added Onyango
“When we face them, I’m eager to see how they handle our counter-pressing and the hard running from our midfield to the front line. I’ve seen other clubs play, but right now, I’m most excited about going up against Fluminense," said the ex-Uganda Cranes captain.
Fluminense’s much-talked-about match against Manchester City at the 2023 Club World Cup was under the guidance of coach Fernando Diniz. However, the club is now led by a new head coach Renato Gaúcho, a legendary figure in Fluminense’s history.
Sundowns Group Stage Matches
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Ulsan HD v Mamelodi Sundowns
📍 Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando
📅 Wednesday, June 18
🕕 00:00 CAT -
Mamelodi Sundowns v Borussia Dortmund
📍 TQL Stadium, Cincinnati
📅 Saturday, June 21
🕛 18:00 CAT -
Mamelodi Sundowns v Fluminense
📍 Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
📅 Wednesday, June 25
🕒 21:00 CAT