Sundowns: SA kings to be underdogs in the Americas

THE WORLD CUP is not a name you ordinarily associate with South Africa. At least we have not really had reason to since we hosted the 2010 edition of the global soccer showpiece.

- MATSHELANE MAMABOLO

Having missed out on the last three editions of FIFA's crown jewel, it looks like we might finally go back to the spectacle next year given the good from Bafana Bafana are enjoying in the qualifiers.

Prior to us going to the Americas next year where the United States, Canada and Mexico are going to jointly host the tournament, we've got a World Cup to get excited about starting this week.

Granted, the FIFA Club World Cup has nothing on the main one contested by countries. But it is a World Cup alright, and we should be delighted that we are going to be represented.

South African league kings Mamelodi Sundowns are out in the US to fly our flag high in the inaugural edition of the extended competition that will now be contested by 32 clubs instead of the seven from the past.

The Brazilians are one of four African clubs out there with the others being Al Ahly of Egypt, Espérance of Tunisia and Morocco's Wydad Casablanca.

I am looking forward to seeing just how Sundowns fare against opposition from different continents, having long proven to be one of the best teams in Africa.