Club World Cup: Mamelodi Sundowns vs Borussia Dortmund
Mamelodi Sundowns will look to pick up another three points – and add to their bank balance – when they take on German giants Borussia Dortmund in their FIFA Club World Cup Group F clash on Saturday.
Kick-off at the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio is at 18:00 (SA time).
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Mamelodi Sundowns are coming off a 1-0 win over South Korean side Uslan HD, while Borussia Dortmund played out to a goalless draw against Brazilian side Fluminense in their opener.
As a reminder, each group stage win if worth $2 million (R36 million), while in the event of a draw, both sides will pocket $1 million (R18 million).
Before the opening whistle in Cincinnati, Masandawana have already banked well over R200 million!
By securing their place at the tournament, Mamelodi Sundowns were guaranteed $9.55 million (R173 million) in appearance fees.
Their win over Uslan HD – thanks to the lone goal in the match by Iqraam Rayners – was worth a further R36 million to the Tshwane giants.
That means at the time of publishing, Mamelodi Sundowns have banked $9.55 million (R173 million) in appearance fees and $2 million (R36 million) for their opening match win, giving them a total of R209 million.
A top-two finish and qualification for the knockout phase will be worth an extra $7.5 million (R136 million) to those 16 teams.
Should Mamelodi Sundowns finish top of Group F, they will face the runner-up in Group E.
Group E comprises River Plate from Argentina, Italy's Inter Milan, Monterrey from Mexico and Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds.
If Mamelodi Sundowns finish second in Group F, they will face the winner of Group E.
Should Masandawana successfully navigate their way into the quarter-finals, that will be worth another $13.125 million (R237 million).
A spot in the semi-finals would be worth an additional $21 million (R380 million).
The tournament's runner-up will receive $30 million (R542 million) while the overall winner will walk way $40 million (R723 million) richer.
In a best case scenario , this is how much Mamelodi Sundowns could potentially win: Round Dollars Rands Appearance fee $9.55 million R173 million * Group stage Beat Uslan HD $2 million R36 million * Beat Borussia Dortmund $2 million R36 million Beat Fluminense $2 million R36 million Reach Round of 16 $7.5 million R136 million Reach quarter-finals $13.125 million R237 million Reach semi-finals $21 million R380 million Lift the trophy $40 million R723 million TOTAL $97.125 million R1.757 billion
*denotes confirmed prize money won
That is PROPER money and will ensure Mamelodi Sundowns get richer and the gap between the Tshwane giants and the rest of the PSL teams just widens even further.
It's also sure to leave Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates green with envy.
The next FIFA Club World Cup is due to be held in 2029.
Ronwen Williams (captained), Denis Onyango, Reyaad Pieterse, Khuliso Mudau, Thapelo Morena, Aubrey Modiba, Divine Lunga, Grant Kekana, Malibongwe Khoza, Mothobi Mvala, Keanu Cupido, Mosa Lebusa, Marcelo Allende, Jayden Adams, Themba Zwane, Sphelele Mkhulise, Neo Maema, Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas, Peter Shalulile, Lucas Ribeiro Costa, Iqraam Rayners, Arthur Sales, Tashreeq Matthews, Lebo Mothiba, Kutlwano Letlhaku
Masandawana will be captained by goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who created history at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations by saving four shootout penalties to take South Africa past Cape Verde in a quarter-final.
Coach Miguel Cardoso has selected a 26-man squad including 20 South Africans, two Brazilians, a Chilean, a Ugandan, a Zimbabwean and a Namibian. Mamelodi Sundowns' remaining Group F matches are as follows (all times SA):
Saturday, 21 June vs Borussia Dortmund – 18:00
Wednesday, 25 June vs Fluminense – 21:00
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