Why FIFA Club World Cup excites Steve Komphela

The reigning Betway Premiership title holders could also arrive at the newly expanded 32-team tournament in the USA as CAF Champions League winners should they defeat Pyramids on Sunday. 

Sundowns have been drawn alongside Ulsan HD of Korea, Germany’s Borussia Dortmund, and Fluminense from Brazil in Group F.  

Komphela explained why their next assignment opens doors in the transfer market. 

"The Club World Cup is not only attractive to other talents, but it will showcase some of the best players, revealing what their capabilities are.

"This tournament is the same as the FIFA World Cup, the makeup of the competition is such that Africa is going to be playing against a particular continent. When Mamelodi Sundowns go out there, we're looking to sell an African product, showcase African excellence, and say this is how we play football in South Africa," expressed Komphela. 

READ: Orlando Pirates dominate latest Bafana Bafana squad

The former Kaizer Chiefs mentor emphasises that Downs are already doing this on the African continent. 

"Every team in a particular region is an indication of how they play football in that region. So, we're going to America to sell our product, and to show why Sundowns are referred to as The Brazilians," said the seasoned coach. 

Sundowns are slightly on the backfoot in the return leg away to Pyramids after the Egyptian outfit managed a crucial away goal last weekend. 

Komphela reiterated that lessons have been learnt and is hopeful that The Brazilians will travel to America as African champions. 

Komphela was coy when asked to elaborate on what exactly the takeaways were from the stalemate at Loftus Stadium.

"We found what we found, and we'll keep what we found, and use it to our advantage when we get to Egypt."