Mamelodi Sundowns are not only playing for pride and progression in the FIFA Club World Cup but also for substantial financial rewards as they prepare to face German giants Borussia Dortmund on Saturday in Cincinnati.
A victory over Dortmund would propel the South African champions into the knockout stage of the tournament and significantly bolster their coffers.
The financial incentives for participating in this revamped 32-team FIFA Club World Cup are unprecedented.
Mamelodi Sundowns have reportedly secured a significant sum simply for qualifying, reportedly around US$9.55 million (approximately R174 million at current exchange rates) as a participation fee.
This amount alone is nearly double the annual budget of a top South African club, highlighting the immense financial impact of this tournament.
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Their recent 1-0 win against South Korean club Ulsan HD earlier this week added another US$2 million (around R36 million) to their earnings. Should Masandawana triumph over Borussia Dortmund, they will pocket an additional US$2 million for the group stage victory. Even a draw would be financially beneficial, earning each club US$1 million.
This new-look tournament boasts a colossal total prize money pot of US$1 billion. Of this, US525 million is distributed to teams simply for competing, while another US475 million is awarded based on their performance throughout the competition.
While European and South American clubs generally receive more lucrative participation fees, Sundowns are certainly not complaining given the substantial sums already guaranteed.
The stakes are even higher if Sundowns advance. A win against Dortmund would mathematically secure their place in the top two spots of Group F, guaranteeing a berth in the Round of 16. Should they then emerge victorious in their Round of 16 match, they stand to earn a further US$7.5 million.
The ultimate prize for the tournament winner is a staggering US$40 million on top of all accumulated prize money from previous rounds, which could see the champion walk away with a total payout of up to US$125 million.
For Mamelodi Sundowns, every step forward in this prestigious competition brings not just sporting glory but also transformative financial benefits that could further solidify their dominance in African football and beyond.