Borussia Dortmund head coach Niko Kovac isn’t underestimating the challenge posed by South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns as the two teams prepare to clash in the FIFA Club World Cup.
The encounter takes on added significance for Dortmund, who were held to a goalless draw by Brazilian side Fluminense in their opening match, while Sundowns kicked off their campaign with a strong 1-0 win over South Korea’s Ulsan HD, putting them at the top of their group.
Read: Lucrative Rewards Await Mamelodi Sundowns in Club World Cup Clash Against Borussia Dortmund
Kovac, speaking at his post-match press conference, acknowledged the shifting dynamics of Group F. “As I said at the beginning of the press conference, I think my team and Fluminense are favourites. But in football, you must first play the games and show that you are favourites,” he stated, hinting at the pressure now firmly on his side.
The German coach highlighted the Brazilians’ recent form and quality, emphasizing the need for his team to be fully prepared. “We’ve studied Sundowns and understand they recently played in the CAF Champions League final. They are a quality side, tactically strong and physically demanding.
You need to be fully prepared when facing African teams. They bring intensity and power, and we’ll need to be at our best.” His comments underscore a clear respect for Sundowns’ capabilities and the unique challenges presented by African football.
Adding a fascinating subplot to the match is the presence of Tashreeq Matthews in the Sundowns squad. The 23-year-old winger has a history with Dortmund, having joined the club in 2018 and featured in the UEFA Youth League before gaining experience in the Netherlands and Sweden.
Now flourishing back in South Africa, Matthews could be a key player against his former employers, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the contest.
A victory for Mamelodi Sundowns would be monumental. It would not only guarantee their progression to the knockout stages of the Club World Cup but also represent a significant achievement for African club football on the global stage.
With both teams desperately needing a positive result, Saturday’s clash promises to be a captivating battle of contrasting footballing styles and a true test of Dortmund’s ability to perform under increasing pressure.