With a different FIFA Club World Cup format to what Mamelodi Sundowns experienced in 2016, former club captain Hlompho Kekana has set a target for the team.
Sundowns participated at the Club World Cup after winning the CAF Champions League in 2016, but it was a competition of seven clubs and the Tshwane giants finished in sixth place after playing two matches.
READ: Maema: It's Not Being Arrogant
With 32 clubs divided into eight groups, Sundowns need to play a smarter game to give themselves an opportunity of progressing to the knockout phase. But with Ulsan, Fluminense and Borussia Dortmund as their opponents in Group F, it certainly won't be a walk in the park.
"I'd love to see them coming out of the group. This time round, the format is different from when I was in Japan. This time you have three games that you are guaranteed to play. If you win two matches, you are out of the group (having progressed). I'd love to see them going to the knockout stages. That's where you will see how far they are in terms of the level, but I believe they have what it takes to go into that level and compete," Kekana said to media before Sundowns left the country on Sunday.
Kekana feels that the Sundowns' players should use the competition to prepare for next season. While winning the league was a big achievement, the Champions League remains the 'big fish' and doing well at the Club World Cup could give them the boost they need to go all the way in the continental competition next term.
"If I was a player, I would use this space to learn a lot in terms of things that would help me in the coming season. At that stage, you are going to meet a lot of teams that will give you different game models and I think it would be wise for players to take this moment and learn.
READ: Agent: Mudau & Downs 'Haven't Found Each Other'
Get in on the action with MzansiBet! Bet Now!
"When you are at Sundowns, there's no time to sulk. There's no time to feel sad and there's no time to feel bad for yourself. You just have to dust yourself off and continue with the matches. This is a moment they need to embrace."
Click the button to get in on the action with MzansiBet!
