Why the FIFA Club World Cup could haunt Mamelodi Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns are the only team from South Africa participating in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup this winter.

French Ligue 1 side Lille interested in signing Lucas Ribeiro from Mamelodi Sundowns. Image: News24

Mamelodi Sundowns will represent South Africa in the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup.

The avant-garde tournament promises a month of intercontinental drama as the best teams from each corner of the globe aim to reign supreme. The Brazilians, drawn in Group F, will face Brazil’s Fluminense FC, Korean outfit Ulsan HD and Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund.

Juggernauts of the game fill the surrounding groups, from Manchester City and Real Madrid to Bayern Munich and Juventus. If Miguel Cardoso’s side survive the group stages they could face one of the games ultimate tests.

While this isn’t the first Club World Cup that has occurred, its scale is unprecedented. Thirty-two clubs will take to the stage, and all will be out to show why it isn’t only Europe that should be taken seriously.

With talent all over the pitch, the Sundowns could pique some interest, which ironically has detrimental potential.

Sundowns worries

The world, along with scouts and clubs, will be watching, and you can bet your house that the latter two will be viewing vigilantly, looking to uncover the next best thing. They are going to love Lucas Ribeiro Costa, Iqraam Rayners and Tashreeq Matthews.

All three have the repertoire to turn heads, and if they do, there’s a strong chance Europe comes calling and Sundowns begin to lose stars like Royal AM. For Ribeiro, they already are.

“This is new interest. There are Lille representatives who have enquired about him,” SoccerLaduma confirmed.

“They have shown serious interest in Ribeiro and the team cannot ignore that. But you know there are other clubs who have shown interest before, and the club is just waiting to hear from all those teams on the way forward.”