Mamelodi Sundowns face biggest match in its history tonight

Mamelodi Sundowns are preparing for the biggest match in their 55-year existence – certainly in terms of prize money at stake – on Wednesday in Miami, Florida.

Masandawana will take on Brazilian side Fluminense knowing that nothing short of victory will most likely be enough to see them avoid elimination at the FIFA Club World Cup.

The clash at the Hard Rock Stadium is scheduled for 21:00 (SA time).

When South Africans connect, we don’t just network; we build a community. The Lekker Network is a professional network where every conversation starts with, “How can I help you?” Come join us & be a part of a community of extraordinary Saffas.

Heading into the clash, Mamelodi Sundowns are in third place in Group F with only the top two sides progressing to the Round of 16.

The Tshwane giants opened their campaign with a 1-0 win over South Korean side Ulsan HD, but them went down 4-3 against Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund in their second encounter.

With Borussia Dortmund almost certain to beat already eliminated Ulsan HD, that would leave Mamelodi Sundowns needing to beat Fluminense to progress to the Last 16.

Fluminense will progress should the match end in a draw.

The Borussia Dortmund versus Ulsan HD match will also kick off at 21:00 (SA time) tonight.

In the money

By securing their place at the tournament, Mamelodi Sundowns were guaranteed $9.55 million (R170 million) in appearance fees.

As a reminder, each group stage win is worth $2 million (R35.7 million), while in the event of a draw, both sides will pocket $1 million (R17.85 million).

Losers of any group match go away empty-handed.

Their win over Ulsan HD – thanks to the lone goal in the match by Iqraam Rayners – was worth R35.7 million to the Tshwane giants.

That means Mamelodi Sundowns have banked $9.55 million (R170 million) in appearance fees and $2 million (R35.7 million) for their opening match win, giving them a total of R205.7 million.

They can add another R35.7 million to that total with a win on Wednesday night.

But that’s not all!

All teams that progress to the Round of 16 get an additional $7.5 million (R133.8 million) for doing so.

That means, a win tonight would be worth a minimum of R161.5 million to Mamelodi Sundowns.

Considering each Betway Premiership title is worth ‘only’ R20 million to the winner, Masandawana could bank more than EIGHT times that much in just 90 minutes!

Should Mamelodi Sundowns finish top of Group F, they will face the runner-up in Group E.

Group E comprises River Plate from Argentina, Italy’s Inter Milan, Monterrey from Mexico and Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds.

If Mamelodi Sundowns finish second in Group F, they will face the winner of Group E.

Should Masandawana successfully navigate their way into the quarter-finals, that will be worth another $13.125 million (R234 million).

A spot in the semi-finals would be worth an additional $21 million (R375 million).

The tournament’s runner-up will receive $30 million (R535 million) while the overall winner will walk way $40 million (R714 million) richer.

In a best case scenario, this is how much Mamelodi Sundowns could still potentially win:

Round	Dollars	Rands
Appearance fee	$9.55 million	R170 million *
Group stage
Beat Uslan HD	$2 million	R35.7 million *
Lost to Borussia Dortmund	$2 million	R0 (lost 4-2)
Beat Fluminense	$2 million	R35.7 million
Reach Round of 16	$7.5 million	R133.8 million
Reach quarter-finals	$13.125 million	R234 million
Reach semi-finals	$21 million	R375 million
Lift the trophy	$40 million	R714 million
TOTAL	$97.125 million	R1.6982 billion

*denotes confirmed prize money won

That is PROPER money and will ensure Mamelodi Sundowns get richer and the gap between the Tshwane giants and the rest of the PSL teams just widens even further.

It’s also sure to leave Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates green with envy.

The next FIFA Club World Cup is due to be held in 2029.

Mamelodi Sundowns squad

Ronwen Williams (captained), Denis Onyango, Reyaad Pieterse, Khuliso Mudau, Thapelo Morena, Aubrey Modiba, Divine Lunga, Grant Kekana, Malibongwe Khoza, Mothobi Mvala, Keanu Cupido, Mosa Lebusa, Marcelo Allende, Jayden Adams, Themba Zwane, Sphelele Mkhulise, Neo Maema, Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas, Peter Shalulile, Lucas Ribeiro Costa, Iqraam Rayners, Arthur Sales, Tashreeq Matthews, Lebo Mothiba, Kutlwano Letlhaku

Masandawana will be captained by goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who created history at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations by saving four shootout penalties to take South Africa past Cape Verde in a quarter-final.

Coach Miguel Cardoso has selected a 26-man squad including 20 South Africans, two Brazilians, a Chilean, a Ugandan, a Zimbabwean and a Namibian.