Mamelodi Sundowns forward Peter Shalulile is urging caution and confidence as the Brazilians gear up for a mouthwatering FIFA Club World Cup showdown against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, 21 June.
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Sundowns got their campaign off to a perfect start with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ulsan HD, and now shift their focus to one of Europe’s biggest clubs in what promises to be a stern test of their credentials on the global stage.
Speaking to FIFA TV ahead of the match, Shalulile stressed the importance of approaching the game with both respect and belief.
“Well, [for] such a game, you should approach it very carefully, because you remember this is a team that has been at the highest [level for a long time],” the Namibian international said.
“But [we’re] going in with respect and making sure that we also bring our A-game, because football is just another game.
“Of course, there is disappointment [when things don’t go your way], but in a game like that you just have to get in there and make sure that you give your best and prepare very, very well.”
With Sundowns representing Africa as one of the continent’s top-ranked teams, Shalulile made it clear that the Brazilians are not in the USA just to make up the numbers.
“I expect [Mamelodi] Sundowns [FC] to [get] out of the group stages, because we don’t just go to any competition and [make up] the numbers,” he added.
“We want to be a team where they can also fear us, because it’s the best of the best — you know, best from Africa, best from America.”
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