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The South African
an hour ago
- Business
- The South African
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). When South Africans connect, we don't just network; we build a community. The Lekker Network is a professional network where every conversation starts with, 'How can I help you?' Come join us & be a part of a community of extraordinary Saffas. 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 Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Morocco World
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Morocco World
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Borussia Dortmund: How to Watch & Score Prediction
Rabat – Mamelodi Sundowns is facing Borussia Dortmund today in the FIFA Club World Cup at Cincinnati's TQL Stadium, Ohio. The game is their second group match. The match's kick-off is at 5 p.m. Morocco time (GMT +1), and fans can catch the action live on DAZN, TruTV, TNT, among other platforms. South African club Sundowns won their opener 1-0 over Ulsan Hyundai goal by Iqraam Rayners, while Dortmund drew 0-0 with Fluminense. Sundowns leads the group with 3 points, versus 1 point each for Dortmund and Fluminense. The game is important for both clubs. Dortmund needs a win to finish at the top of the group, while Sundowns will aim for a win or draw to secure qualification for the next rounds. Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso praised his players after the Ulsan win: 'We are very proud, (it was) the first victory of an African team in the tournament.' New Dortmund coach Niko Kovac has stressed Dortmund's ambition: 'We want to compete and win every game… We want to win as many games as possible. Key players to watch are Serhou Guirassy, Dortmund's top scorer with 34 goals across all competitions, including 13 Champions League goals. While Sundowns will depend on Lucas Ribeiro Costa team's top scorer with 20 goals and 14 assists in all competitions this season. Dortmund will be without midfielder Emre Can and defender Nico Schlotterbeck due to injuries. While Sundowns have a full squad with no injuries. Predicted lineups Mamelodi Sundowns: Ronwen Williams; Khuliso Mudau, Grant Kekana, Keanu Cupido, Divine Lunga; Marcelo Allende, Teboho Mokoena, Ko Seung-beom; Lucas Ribeiro, Iqraam Rayners, Themba Zwane. Borussia Dortmund: Gregor Kobel; Niklas Süle, Waldemar Anton, Ramy Bensebaini; Julian Ryerson, Marcel Sabitzer, Felix Nmecha, Daniel Svensson; Julian Brandt, Serhou Guirassy, Karim Adeyemi. Prediction: Dortmund's quality should see them through. MWN expects Dortmund to win 2-1. Tags: Borussia DortmundMamelodi Sundowns
IOL News
7 hours ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Iqraam Rayners, Serhou Guirassy crucial to Mamelodi Sundowns and Borussia Dortmund fortunes in Club World Cup clash
Iqraam Rayners scored for Mamelodi Sundowns against Ulsan HD. Photo: AFP Image: AFP After a stellar opening match in which Mamelodi Sundowns scored a landmark victory against South Korea's Ulsan Hyundai, going up against the Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund is a different beast entirely. In tonight's Fifa Club World Cup Group F match at the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio (6pm SA time kick-off), Sundowns play Dortmund, who are strong contenders in this tournament. Yet their initial outing against Brazil's Fluminense left much to be desired. Held to a frustrating goalless draw, the Germans struggled to find their rhythm, prompting criticism since much more was expected from a team with such an attacking pedigree. Dortmund coach Niko Kovac acknowledged the team's lacklustre performance, suggesting that they were lucky to escape without a loss. Kovac will be pinning his victory hopes on the German club's star striker, Serhou Guirassy. The French-born forward, who dons the colours of the Guinea national team, has emerged as a pivotal figure in Dortmund's attacking line this season. Despite a frustrating outing against Fluminense, where he failed to convert multiple chances, Guirassy's presence on the pitch is nothing short of formidable. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading At 29, Guirassy is not only a towering figure, but a versatile striker known for his lethal finishing, aerial prowess, and remarkable physical strength. His ability to wreak havoc on opposition defences marks him as a critical target for Sundowns' defenders. With an impressive tally of 21 goals from 30 Bundesliga appearances in the 2024/25 season, his confidence and hunger to score after recent missed opportunities are palpable. Against Fluminense in their Group F opening match, Guirassy was a constant threat, showcasing his skill. However, his inability to find the net left the striker eager for redemption against Sundowns. 'I want to make amends and ensure my team gets the result we need,' he said, as he targets a stronger performance this time. Sundowns' Zimbabwean defender Divine Lunga will no doubt be charged with marking Guirassy. After his sterling performance against Ulsan, Lunga was the only African to be named in the Club World Cup Team of the Week. Dortmund will be aware of Iqraam Rayners, the Sundowns striker who marked his arrival on the global stage by clinching a goal and the Player of the Match award against Ulsan. The 29-year-old Rayners not only secured a 1-0 victory for his team, but also solidified his reputation as a key player to watch as the tournament progresses. Since joining the reigning PSL champions from Stellenbosch FC at the start of the season, he has been in remarkable form. With aspirations of securing a move to Europe, every match at the Club World Cup presents an opportunity for him to demonstrate his prowess to potential suitors. He closely contended for the Premiership Golden Boot, only narrowly losing out to his teammate, Lucas Ribeiro Costa, underscoring his goal-scoring ability. Rayners emphasised the importance of capitalising on every opportunity on the pitch in their next match today. 'Every game will be special for us. We are playing against big teams in this tournament,' he stated. 'I believe we will reach the second phase; we just need to take it one game at a time. Focus is key, and whatever happens in the next match happens, but I think we can go through.'
IOL News
10 hours ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Can the Yellow Nation sink the Yellow Submarine?
Tashreeq Matthews (centre, No 17) could provide Mamelodi Sundowns with inside information on his former club Borussia Dortmund. Photo: PHANDO JIKELO Image: PHANDO JIKELO THIS is it. This is the match that was always going to define Mamelodi Sundowns' Fifa Club World Cup. The clash against one of Europe's top clubs – Borussia Dortmund – stood out as the biggest test for the South African champions from the moment the draw for the global club championship was made. The general notion was that the Bundesliga club have to be the favourites to top Group F, while Sundowns would, at best, be third behind Fluminense, with Ulsan HD pencilled in as the potential worst team. Football is, however, very fickle at the top, and ahead of this evening's clash (6pm SA time kick-off) between the Yellow Nation of Tshwane and the Yellow Submarine of Germany, the standings are nothing like what the punters had forecasted. Sundowns are top of the group with maximum points following their 1-0 defeat of the South Korean team they should actually have smashed by much more. Iqraam Rayners scored the winner on a night when Lucas Ribeiro Costa was in scintillating form delivering some sublime passes to find the Capetonian striker, who actually put the ball into the opposition net on three occasions. It was a real pity that on two of those, he'd handled the ball before scoring and then strayed offside prior to receiving the ball from his Brazilian teammate. It was the kind of performance, though, that would have imbued Sundowns with confidence as they go into the clash with a Dortmund likely to not be as cock-a-hoop as they'd have been at the start of the tournament. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Held goalless by Fluminense in their opener, the Germans are going to be hard-pressed to win tonight if they are to be sure of progressing to the knockout phase... and often that can be a recipe for panic. Granted, it is generally accepted that a clash between a European and an African side should go the way of the former. And after Manchester City beat Wydad Casablanca this week, that notion would have been strengthened. But there's nothing to say Sundowns cannot pull the rug from underneath the feet of their revered opponents, not when Ronwen Williams and his teammates are so hyped up following that win over Ulsan. It is a massive test for the multiple South African champions, who will know that the rest of the world has their eyes on them after they were the only one of the four African teams to win their opening match. And with Al Ahly losing their second match, Sundowns essentially carry the baton for Africa – the continent is banking on them to progress out of the round robin phase. Surely that must be motivation enough for them to give their best against Dortmund. Besides, there is also the opportunity for them to market themselves to the world, this match likely to attract a much bigger audience – not only in the stadium – but on television, simply because of the stature of their opponents. Whereas prior to the start of the competition they were probably seen as just another African team by their opponents, Sundowns are now surely a serious opposition to Dortmund, and this much, the German club's coach has confirmed. '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,' said Niko Kovac. 'We have some impressions and we know that Sundowns played in the (CAF) Champions League final a few weeks ago. 'So, they are a tough opponent as you saw in the other games. You must work very hard against African teams. 'They are strong and powerful. So, for that, we need to refresh our minds, and to be fully prepared because the next games are very important for us.' The good thing for Sundowns is that they have, in Tashreeq Matthews, a player with a little bit of knowledge of their opponents – the young attacker having previously turned out for the Germans. He was not particularly effective against Ulsan, though, and it remains to be seen how coach Miguel Cardoso uses him for this one. It is a big match, not only for Sundowns, but for African football, as it presents the continent with an opportunity to show just how we rank against the Europeans, who are generally accepted to be at the top of the game in the world. Wouldn't it be grand if the Yellow Nation were to be victorious over the Yellow Submarine?
TimesLIVE
a day ago
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
With Euro teams feeling heat in the US, are Dortmund vulnerable against Sundowns?
Mamelodi Sundowns meet a Borussia Dortmund at the Club World Cup who were not their best selves in the 2024-2025 season, though clashing against a mildly off-pale version of the Bundesliga giants is still a formidable undertaking. Sundowns meet Borussia in their second Group F clash at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday (noon Ohio time, 6pm SA time). Downs got off to the best start in the new 32-team format of the Fifa Club World Cup (CWC) in the US, beating Ulsan HD of South Korea 1-0 in Orlando on Tuesday night. Borussia were a little flat, being the less convincing side of a 0-0 draw against Fluminense in New Jersey, though that was one of the matches played in noon heat to hit prime time for European TV audiences. Still, there is a sense that while there have been big score mismatches between giants and minnows at the 2025 CWC, perhaps the European teams are less enthusiastic about the huge prize-money expanded event. The increase from seven teams is controversial, as it adds more games to an already packed calendar for the world's top players, especially in Europe. Iqraam Rayners takes his scoring form to the FIFA #CWC2025 ⚽🎯 Watch the FIFA #CWC2025 live in various language options on SuperSport 🗣️🎙️ 📺 Stream #FIFACWC on DStv: #SSFootball | @DAZNFootball — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 18, 2025 Some of the results indicate as much — Real Madrid were held to a draw by Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal and Inter Miami, albeit with Lionel Messi in their ranks, beat FC Porto on Thursday night. In contrast, the far less rich South American teams, especially from Brazil, whose four clubs remain unbeaten, seem up for fighting for a share of the staggering $1bn (R18.03bn) prize pot and not so put off by the midsummer US heat. Botafogo provided a third upset at the CWC, stunning European champions Paris Saint-Germain — a team almost unbeatable in the second half of last season — on Thursday. Sundowns would love to provide the fourth upset of the tournament with a win or draw on Saturday. They might just have a sniff at that. 🤌🤌🤌 — Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) June 18, 2025 For one, Downs are boosted by having become the first African team to win in the US. The result might have been against the other minnows of Group F, but Sundowns lost twice against Asian clubs at their only other CWC in Japan in 2016 — 2-0 against Kashima Antlers and 4-1 against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. So the Pretoria side can take their opening result as evidence their years of striving to be competitive in the Caf Champions League for almost a decade since Osaka 2016 has hardened them in international competition. The match is again at noon for Borussia (Downs' opener against Ulsan was played at 7pm Florida time, 1am in SA). Though Sundowns went to the US from the South African winter, they are accustomed to hot conditions as the Premier Soccer League is played through an African midsummer. Coach Miguel Cardoso's Brazilians might try to exploit the conditions. And perhaps there is a touch of vulnerability to this Dortmund. They had a poor 2024-25 Bundesliga campaign, though rallied from when third manager of the season Niko Kovac arrived in February, winning seven of their last eight games to end fourth and clinch a Champions League place. It says much of Dortmund's quality that they reached the 2024-25 Uefa Champions League semifinals. Again there is a hint of brittleness that they were dismantled 4-0 there, though admittedly to a quality team in Hansi Flick's resurgent young Spanish champions Barcelona. It should still be a mismatch on Saturday. Dortmund compete in one of the world's top four leagues in the Bundesliga and regularly challenge for honours in the Uefa Champions League, the world's toughest continental club competition. There are also plenty of world-class performers in Kovac's Borussia line-up. Three top Borussia Dortmund players Serhou Guirassy The towering 29-year-old Guinean striker was a threat against Fluminense, but he couldn't bury his chances, so he'll be determined to make amends against Sundowns. A marksman in peak form, he scored an impressive 21 goals from 30 Bundesliga outings in the 2024-2025 season, joint-second behind Bayern Munich's Harry Kane (26). The season before Guirassy was top scorer with 28 goals. He is a versatile striker admired for his physical strength, aerial ability and strong finishing, particularly in the box. He mainly plays as a traditional No 9, holding up the ball and linking play. Karim Adeyemi Adeyemi was arguably Dortmund's best player against Fluminense, penetrating through the left flank. The 23-year-old German right winger scored seven goals and managed six assists in the Bundesliga campaign. Adeyemi is a speedy and direct attacker known for his dribbling and finishing abilities. He excels in counterattacking situations and can play as a centre-forward and second striker, though he's primarily a winger. Adeyemi's ambidextrous nature and skill taking on defenders makes him a dangerous man, especially in one-on-one situations. Marcel Sabitzer Sabitzer, 31, is one of the most experienced figures in the Dortmund squad, having played more than 400 Bundesliga games. The former Bayern Munich star is admired for his all-action style of play and the ability to contribute in multiple roles across the engine room.
