Mamelodi Sundowns go down to German giants

Mamelodi Sundowns’ FIFA Club World Cup campaign suffered a setback on Saturday when they were beaten by Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund at the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Masandawana lost 4-3 after trailling 3-1 at half-time.

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Mamelodi Sundowns opened the scoring in the 11th minute through Lucas Ribeiro Costa, only to see Borussia Dortmund score three times in the space of 29 minutes with goals by Felix Nmecha (16th minute), Serhou Guirassy (34th minute) and Jobe Bellingham (45th minute).

Own goal

To make matters worse for the Tshwane giants, Khuliso Mudau conceded an own goal in the 59th minute to help stretch Borussia Dortmund’s lead.

Iqraam Rayners narrowed the deficit in the 62nd minute and Lebo Mothiba scored a 90th-minute consolation goal, but that’s as good as it got for Miguel Cardoso’s side.

Thanks to their win, Borussia Dortmund picked up another three points – and $2 million – and moved top of Group F with four points.

Mamelodi Sundowns stayed on three points thanks to their opening match win over South Korean minnows Uslan HD.

With only Uslan HD to play, Borussia Dortmund are virtual certainties to reach the Round of 16.

There is a good chance Mamelodi Sundowns will have to upset Brazilian side Fluminense in their final group clash on Wednesday, 25 June to progress to the next round.

Money, money, money!

As a reminder, each group stage win if worth $2 million (R36 million), while in the event of a draw, both sides will pocket $1 million (R18 million).

Before the opening whistle in Cincinnati, Masandawana have already banked well over R200 million!

By securing their place at the tournament, Mamelodi Sundowns were guaranteed $9.55 million (R173 million) in appearance fees.

Their win over Uslan HD – thanks to the lone goal in the match by Iqraam Rayners – was worth a further R36 million to the Tshwane giants.

That means Mamelodi Sundowns have banked $9.55 million (R173 million) in appearance fees and $2 million (R36 million) for their opening match win, giving them a total of R209 million.

More cash to come?

A top-two finish and qualification for the knockout phase will be worth an extra $7.5 million (R136 million) to those 16 teams.

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 (R237 million).

A spot in the semi-finals would be worth an additional $21 million (R380 million).

The tournament’s runner-up will receive $30 million (R542 million) while the overall winner will walk way $40 million (R723 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	R173 million *
Group stage
Beat Uslan HD	$2 million	R36 million *
Beat Borussia Dortmund	$2 million	R0 (lost 4-2)
Beat Fluminense	$2 million	R36 million
Reach Round of 16	$7.5 million	R136 million
Reach quarter-finals	$13.125 million	R237 million
Reach semi-finals	$21 million	R380 million
Lift the trophy	$40 million	R723 million
TOTAL	$97.125 million	R1.721 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.