The expectations were never high that Mamelodi Sundowns would get past the first round at the Club World Cup, paired as they were with Brazilian and German opposition in their group stage.
But their performance over the three group games in the US left a positive impression despite the pecking order of world football still being led by European and South American clubs.
It was also a reminder of the deficiencies in the South African game, which can compete with the best in technical skills and physicality, but lacks the basics — shooting, passing and crossing.
Sundowns play modern football — high pressing, seeking to recover the ball as quickly as possible after losing possession, and then keeping the ball.
With the quality of players in their squad it is no surprise they dominate at home. But at the Club World Cup, the level of execution of those elements by their German and Brazilian opponents was better co-ordinated and much quicker, and forced Sundowns into the errors that cost them progress.
Also, Sundowns’ conversion of the chances they created had nothing of the efficiency displayed by the big-name teams. Once again, they are ruing not putting away opportunities. Profligacy remains a frustrating characteristic of South African teams.
The expectations were never high that Mamelodi Sundowns would get past the first round at the Club World Cup, paired as they were with Brazilian and German opposition in their group stage.
But their performance over the three group games in the US left a positive impression despite the pecking order of world football still being led by European and South American clubs.
It was also a reminder of the deficiencies in the South African game, which can compete with the best in technical skills and physicality, but lacks the basics — shooting, passing and crossing.
Sundowns play modern football — high pressing, seeking to recover the ball as quickly as possible after losing possession, and then keeping the ball.
With the quality of players in their squad it is no surprise they dominate at home. But at the Club World Cup, the level of execution of those elements by their German and Brazilian opponents was better co-ordinated and much quicker, and forced Sundowns into the errors that cost them progress.
Also, Sundowns’ conversion of the chances they created had nothing of the efficiency displayed by the big-name teams. Once again, they are ruing not putting away opportunities. Profligacy remains a frustrating characteristic of South African teams.
Sundowns play modern football — high pressing, seeking to recover the ball as quickly as possible after losing possession
That is not to downplay three solid performances in tough conditions by the Pretoria team. The pitches were slick and super fast, but the heat was stifling and the humidity at their two games in Florida was energy-sapping.
The opening game victory over South Korea’s Ulsan HD in Orlando was fully deserved and proficient, except in front of goal.
They led Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund in their second game, in Cincinnati, and looked odds-on for an upset until a silly error at the back allowed an equaliser.
Dortmund went on to take a 4-1 lead, not because they overwhelmed Sundowns but because they buried the chances they had.
To their credit, Sundowns battled back to 4-3 and might have drawn the game as the Germans wilted in the dry heat of a midday kickoff in Ohio, designed for European TV consumption. The statistics suggested Sundowns were the better side, though it is one thing to dominate possession, another to transform that into goals.
Sundowns were understandably disappointed afterwards but also boosted by a self-belief they could go on and force a place in the last 16. To do so, they had to beat Fluminense, one of the iconic clubs of Rio de Janeiro, to advance. Again, chances were not taken.
But in the humidity of Miami and with a third game in just nine days, fatigue caught up with them. A goalless draw, however, was still a creditable result.
The experience will leave the Sundowns players wanting more and with many of them in the Bafana Bafana squad, there is the possibility of a quick return to the US next year for the Fifa World Cup. Bafana Bafana are on the verge of securing a spot, with four qualifiers left to play in September and October.
Entry to the next Club World Cup in 2029, which could be hosted in Brazil, Morocco, Spain or the US, according to reports, will mean having to win one of the next three African Champions League titles. Sundowns were desperately close last month but lost the 2024/2025 season final to the Pyramids of Egypt.
There is also the dilemma of having to shift down a gear when the domestic season kicks off next month. From the glamour of Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium to fixtures in scratchy venues such as Mangaung, Seshego or Umlazi is quite the contrast.
There is concern among Sundowns management that the whole US experience might yet catch up with them later in the year. Players will have had hardly any break between seasons and there will be only two weeks of preseason preparation, instead of the traditional six, before they are back on the competition treadmill.
If they are to keep up their supremacy on the South African scene, and win a record-extending ninth successive league title plus continental success, it will take a huge mental as well as physical effort.
There are no plans to sell any of the players who might have caught the eye of clubs in Europe and there is a hope that a settled squad can steamroll their way through the challengers yet again.
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