MAMELODI Sundowns focus now is the R180m prize that is being dangled as they prepare for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the USA.
Following a heartbreak of being relegated to the second spot of the CAF Championship after the 3-2 defeat by Pyramids, the team can only find solace on the huge prize on offer, far surpassing their combined earnings from finishing second in Africa and winning the domestic league.
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup to be played in June, new format featuring eight groups of four and prize money that makes every match valuable, even a single group-stage win is worth $2 million.
Progressing further could unlock millions more, with the winners taking home $40 million and a perfect run totaling $125 million.
For Sundowns, this is a transformative chance to boost finances, upgrade operations, and reset their continental ambitions — but only if they fully commit to capitalizing on it.
Meanwhile, coach Miguel Cardoso and his technical team have released the troubled soul Sipho Mbule and injury proned Rivaldo Coetzee, with both players contracts not renewed.
Mbule’s loan at Sekhukhune United ended amid disciplinary issues, including multiple instances of arriving at training intoxicated, leading to the club passing on a permanent deal; and
Coetzee has struggled with injuries and has not played since October 2024, despite being part of the squad for the CAF Champions League final; both players now seek new clubs as Sundowns prepare for the FIFA Club World Cup.
Mike Makaab, who represent both players’ confirmed the news.
Image (Downs’ coach Miguel Cardoso consulting technical team during CAF Championship match).
