Mamelodi Sundowns forward Peter Shalulile has shed light on the club’s ambitious targets for the upcoming 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.
The 2025 CAF Champions League finalist will make their second appearance at the biggest club football competition. Their first was in 2016 as African champions. But they had a poor campaign as they finished in sixth place under the guidance of Pitso Mosimane.
In the 2025 Club World Cup edition, the Betway Premiership log leaders have been drawn in Group F alongside Borussia Dortmund [Germany], Fluminense FC [Brazil] and Ulsan HD [Korea Republic]. The new expanded format will take place from 14 June to 13 July 2025 in the USA.
WHAT AMBITIONS HAS PETER SHALULILE AND SUNDOWNS SET FOR THE FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP?
“The club’s goal is to make sure we make it out of the group stage. That’s the target,” the Namibian international was quoted by FIFA.com. “I expect us to do it, because we don’t just go into any competition to make up the numbers, but to be a team where they [the opposition] can also fear us.”
Shalulile added: “It’s a wonderful feeling [to be at the FIFA Club World Cup]. You’re going to see some of the best players, the best teams, and you can also see how good you are. We are excited and ready for that.”
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS STRIKER BELIEVES THE NEVER-SAY-DIE ATTITUDE WILL COME IN HANDY AT CLUB WORLD CUP
The 31-year-old has cited the never-say-die attitude from the Sundowns players as one of the key factors in their success over the years.
“I can describe it as a ’never-say-die’ mentality. In all those years, in ups and downs, we kept on going because we knew where we saw ourselves. That’s how we will keep on going,” he declared.
Before Sundowns make their way to the Club World Cup, they have the Betway Premiership title to defend.
With eight matches to play, Sundowns are above rivals Orlando Pirates with nine points, though they have played two matches more. They will also take on Pyramids FC from Egypt in the CAF Champions League final.
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