BIG FISH, SMALL POND Mamelodi Sundowns will aim to prove their dominance on a global stage at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, following their run to CAF Champions League final and winning their eighth league title in a row. Picture: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
It’s no secret that the Patrice Motsepe-owned Mamelodi Sundowns are the richest football club not only in South Africa, but the entire continent, and a top performance at the upcoming Club World Cup will be another feather in their cap.
Not that they were struggling for cash, but Mamelodi Sundowns will earn a handy R174 million simply for playing in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the USA from June 14 to July 13.
FIFA had initially targeted a much larger participation fee of $50 million (around R911 million), but apparent issues the tournament ran into over sponsorships and broadcasting revenue saw the final figure radically reduced. Teams will also be awarded around R36m per win and R18m per draw in the group stages.
A total prize money of 1 billion US dollars (R18.2 billion) was confirmed for the tournament by FIFA. The winners of the event will pocket R2.2 billion.
Sundowns Gear Up for Club World Cup After CAF Heartbreak
Sundowns though, are coming off their heartbreaking defeat over two legs in the CAF Champions League final to Pyramids FC.
That would have been the major goal for Sundowns as their domination of the league continued once again this season with their eighth Betway Premiership title in a row.
As impressive as these achievements are, they are eclipsed by the eight league titles in a row that Sundowns clinched last month.
However, as they now head to the Club World Cup, Sundowns will no longer be a big fish in a small pond and springing a few surprises there will be their top priority.
Sundowns take on Ulsan on June 18 at midnight SA time, before taking on Dortmund three days later. Sundowns will close out their Group F fixtures with their clash against Fluminese on June 25.