Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, captain Themba Zwane and midfielder Jayden Adams have opened up about how playing in the FIFA Club World Cup and CAF Champions League has prepared them for the more demanding 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Brazilians have provided 10 players to Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana squad currently on duty in North America. Joining South Africa captain Williams, Zwane and Adams in the national side are Teboho Mokoena, Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Khulumani Ndamane and Iqraam Rayners.
Goalkeeper Ricardo Goss and winger Thapelo Maseko are Masandawana players but were on loan at Siwelele FC and AEL Limassol, respectively. However, the duo, as well as Ndamane, were not part of the Brazilians’ squad that went to the Club World Cup last July.
While Maseko featured in just one 2025/26 Champions League match before going to Cyprus, Goss did not play in the continental competition. But others were instrumental in helping Sundowns be crowned African champions for the second time.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS PLAYERS’ EXPOSURE HELPING BAFANA
Bafana skipper Williams has explained how Sundowns’ participation in international matches has given them exposure. Bafana have already played one match at the World Cup, losing their Group A opener 2-0 to Mexico last Thursday.
“Facing the best shows you exactly what the top level demands. Those matches test your discipline, your decision‑making and your mentality,” Williams told the Mamelodi Sundowns Magazine.
“They gave us confidence, but they also exposed areas where we needed to grow. We must leverage those experiences to benefit the broader team. It has given us valuable experiences. Having said that, each player must live their own moment; that is how you grow and gain experience.”
THEMBA ZWANE REVEALS HOW SUNDOWNS STARS ARE BEING SHAPED MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY
While taking part in football’s highest stage appears like a privilege, Zwane acknowledges that it is a taxing level of football which Sundowns helped them prepare for.
“Sundowns demands excellence every single day. There is no comfort zone. Every training session is intense, every match carries pressure, and every player is expected to perform at the highest level,” said Zwane.
“That environment shapes you mentally and physically. It prepares you for big moments like this because you are already used to high standards and responsibility.”
Williams and Adams started against Mexico while Zwane came on from the bench in the second half, only for him to be red-carded. But Adams said they were already fine-tuned for such a high-octane occasion.
“At Sundowns, pressure is constant. Every session demands intensity, every match demands victory, and every player must meet the standard the badge represents,” Adams said.
“That environment strengthens you and sharpens your instincts. So when you step into a major tournament, the noise and expectations feel familiar — you have already lived them week after week.”
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