Mamelodi Sundowns fans are gutted and are reacting to the 2-0 aggregate defeat to Esperance on Friday night, but there’s a reason to smile. Masandawana failed to reach the final of the lucrative continental club tournament but they have qualified for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Sundowns will represent the African continent in a new look FIFA Club World Cup will be hosted in the United States of America next year.
Related: Ronwen Williams Banks On Sundowns Experience Ahead of CAF Semis
With Tunisian side Esperance, Al Ahly of Egypt, and Wydad Casablanca of Morocco, Sundowns are confirmed as CAF representatives. The four teams sealed their places at next year’s FIFA Club World Cup after the semi-final matches of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League were played on Friday.
Sundowns may have fallen short in their bid to reach the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League final. Still, their performances over the past four years have ensured they too will participate in the inaugural edition of the revamped global club event.
Sundowns Qualify for FIFA Club World Cup: To Pocket R1 Billion
The new-look FIFA Club World Cup aims to determine a legitimate world champion by featuring the elite teams from each confederation in a summer showpiece. Manchester City as reigning UEFA Champions League champions is part of the tournament, Real Madrid and the likes of Juventus as well as Bayern Munich will join Sundowns in the US.
While the world’s football governing body is yet to announce the prize money for the tournament officially, various sources indicate that the overall prize money is €2.5 billion.
It is further claimed that each of the qualified teams will bank €50 million (R1 billion) just for taking part in the new showpiece and before any other match-related bonuses.
Sundowns Fans React to CAF CL Exit
Sport Plus headed to social media to take a look at the reactions from the Masandawana fans who are divided on how the team performed in Pretoria.
Looking at the reactions mostly from X (Twitter), football fans argue that Sundowns benefitted from the VAR during their match against Young Africans in the previous stage.
At the same time, scores of Kaboyellow Family members are confident they will eventually win the tournament and believe in coach Rulani Mokwena.
Related: Sundowns vs Esperance Review: CAF Final Dream Over For Wasteful Downs
Sundowns Fans on Social Media:
Farrington Malepe said: ‘We played very well, we were just unlucky and their goalkeeper stayed strong. Kept them in the game. We showed a sense of immediacy from the word Go. Hard luck, we will try again next season. We will eventually get it right.”
Dear posted: “Hard luck Sundowns, you did your best Esperance was just lucky to go through. You must seek a shoulder to cry on from Orlando Pirates, they are used to losing important games those ones.”
Victor M replied: “Well played guys, if it’s not your day it’s not your day. But you know what our day is coming! Coach Rhulani we are proud of you. CAF semi-finalists twice in a row that’s an achievement. We outplayed them and they know it. Let’s buy a good striker next season. Forward we go!”
Kabigwa Afya commented: “Watched your game from Finland, But you surely paid for the robbery you did for Young Africans.”
His excellency noted: “Rulani has been exposed that he’s got favourites, the likes of Allende. Lorch & Zungu were signed as friends. Mendieta was signed to eliminate competition.”
Sundowns Turn to DStv Premiership Schedule:
After this disappointing result, Mokwena will have to motivate his troops as the Brazilians look to move closer to securing their seventh league trophy when they take on TS Galaxy on Monday, April 29.
Related: CAF CL: Sundowns Boss On His Future, Tactics In Esperance Loss