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Sundowns left a strong impression
Soccer Laduma
|July 10, 2025
In this interview with Soccer Laduma's Masebe Qina, former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Sibusiso Vilakazi reflects on the club's historic journey from the CAF Champions League to competing against world giants at the FIFA Club World Cup. Vilakazi, who was part of the 2016 team that made South African football history, opens up about the unforgettable experience of facing global powerhouses, the lessons learned, and how Sundowns have redefined what's possible for African clubs on the world stage. Now watching from the outside, Vila shares his pride in the team's recent performances and the legacy they continue to build – both for the club and the continent.
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In this interview with Soccer Laduma's Masebe Qina, former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Sibusiso Vilakazi reflects on the club's historic journey from the CAF Champions League to competing against world giants at the FIFA Club World Cup. Vilakazi, who was part of the 2016 team that made South African football history, opens up about the unforgettable experience of facing global powerhouses, the lessons learned, and how Sundowns have redefined what's possible for African clubs on the world stage. Now watching from the outside, Vila shares his pride in the team's recent performances and the legacy they continue to build – both for the club and the continent.
Masebe Qina: Vila, you were part of that iconic Mamelodi Sundowns squad that lifted the CAF Champions League in 2016 and played at the FIFA Club World Cup. What was that experience like sharing the stage with teams like Real Madrid - and how did it shape you as a player?
This story is from the July 10, 2025 edition of Soccer Laduma.
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