Mamelodi Sundowns jetted off to the USA for the FIFA Club World Cup with 12 highly-rated first-team stars missing for the international showpiece.
The reigning Betway Premiership champions departed South Africa this past weekend to participate in the highly-anticipated FIFA Club World Cup, the premier tournament for club teams on the global stage.
Kobamelo Kodisang is a notable absentee from the squad, with his future uncertain at Sundowns. The exciting attacker joined Sundowns in a high-profile move from Portuguese side Moreirense FC on a long-term contract.
However, since his arrival at Chloorkop, Kodisang has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter at the Tshwane giants, which have a galaxy of stars. In the just-ended season, the former SA junior international made 13 appearances in all competitions. He scored two goals, and chipped in with two assists.
Before joining Downs, Kodisang made 68 appearances, netted 14 goals, and provided eight assists during his two-season stay with Moreirense.
The former SC Braga winger has faced stiff competition from Tashreeq Matthews, Lucas Ribeiro Costa, and Themba Zwane in Sundowns’ starting line-up.
WHO ARE THE 12 SUNDOWNS STARS MISSING FOR THE CLUB WORLD CUP
After finding it tough to make a meaningful impact at the Chloorlop-based side, the 25-year-old is facing a bleak future. FARPost has been informed that he is not part of the plans of Miguel Cardoso.
The skilful winger has been left out of the Sundowns squad that travelled to the Club World Cup in the USA. He joins a list of other prominent players left out, including Terrence Mashego, Lucas Suarez, Kegan Johannes, Jody February, Matias Esquivel, Zuko Mdunyelwa, Thapelo Maseko, Sanele Tshabalala, Ntandoyenkosi Nkosi, and Siyanda Nyanga.
In addition, the talented left-back Asekho Tiwani missed a trip to the USA after sustaining an injury during the under-20 AFCON in Egypt.
The Tshwane giants will kick off their World Cup campaign with a Group F clash against South Korean club Ulsan FC on the 18th of June.
Afterwards, Sundowns will lock horns with the German Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund on June 21, followed by a match against Fluminense FC a few days later.
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