Sundowns show growth despite CWC exit

I previously stated on this platform that I did not expect much from our four African representatives at the Fifa Club World Cup, and I have unfortunately been proven right. Mamelodi Sundowns have crashed out of the tournament following a goalless draw against Brazil's Fluminense in their final group stage match at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Wednesday night.

- Katlego Modiba

The Tshwane giants complete the quartet of African clubs alongside Al Ahly, Esperance, and Wydad Casablanca that have failed to progress beyond the group stages. All four teams stumbled at the first hurdle and failed to reach the knockout phase.

Understandably, many African football fans are disappointed, particularly in the cases of Ahly and Sundowns, who carried the hopes of the continent. In contrast, expectations were far lower for Esperance and Wydad.

While I share the frustrations of fans from the continent's flagship clubs, I do not believe either Ahly or Sundowns disgraced themselves on the global stage. This was the first edition of the Club World Cup in its expanded 32-team format, and all four African sides gave a respectable account of themselves.