Mamelodi Sundowns defender Grant Kekana believes their second appearance at the FIFA Club World Cup was a vital learning experience — and clear proof that African clubs can match global footballing standards.
Sundowns, who previously featured in the tournament in 2016, earned their place this time through continued domestic and continental dominance.
And while their campaign ended in the group stages, Kekana insists the Brazilians showed enough resilience and structure to believe they belong on the biggest stage.
“It was a good learning experience,” said the 32-year-old.
“It’s a tournament that shows we are capable and have the talent to compete. We weren’t humiliated or overrun — we just ran out of time in most games.”
As a sundowns fan my lesson from this:
1. Embarrassing to compete for 6 trophies and only win 1 despite having the most expensive squad
2. We are an average team; but that’s hidden by the fact that we disempower local opposition by taking their players (e.g SSU, stellies , etc)— Lungisile Fikizolo (Southy 🇿🇦🇿🇦) (@FIKIZOLOL) June 26, 2025
One of the standout moments of the campaign came in the 4-3 loss to Borussia Dortmund, where Sundowns went toe-to-toe with the Bundesliga giants and only fell short in the closing stages.
The match drew praise across the continent for the PSL side’s fearless approach.
Kekana described that encounter as the toughest test of the tournament, particularly from a tactical and technical point of view.
“In terms of quality, Dortmund were the hardest,” he said.
“Their movement off the ball was really good, and they were very clinical in front of goal. It was a game of small margins.”
Those margins, Kekana says, ultimately underline the next level African clubs need to reach if they’re to win games, not just compete.
“That’s the difference — efficiency,” he explained.
“We need to be more clinical. When you get chances against teams like that, you have to take them. That’s what separates the best.”
A heartfelt prayer and a moment of silence as the team gathered to honour the lives of the brother of Bathusi Aubaas as well as former Mamelodi Sundowns owner, Angelo Tsichlas 🙏
We also send our prayers to Thapelo Morena, who lost his brother before the tournament began.
May… pic.twitter.com/irBnDkJpBy
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) June 26, 2025
Sundowns, under coach Rulani Mokwena, have made no secret of their desire to bridge that gap. But Kekana says technical preparation alone isn’t enough — belief is just as important.
“We need to believe in ourselves more,” he said.
“Sometimes we watch these teams on TV and think they’re untouchable. But we came here, competed, and represented South Africa, Africa, and the Sundowns identity proudly.”
While they did not progress further, the experience has left the group more aware of what it takes to succeed at international level.
Kekana believes it also sent a message to the rest of the continent that African clubs don’t have to play with fear.
“There’s plenty to learn — from the goals we conceded to the chances we missed,” he added.
“But what matters is that we stuck together. We’re a strong group and we can be proud of how we carried ourselves.”
With the domestic season on the horizon and another CAF campaign to navigate, Sundowns will return home armed with hard-earned lessons — and the belief that they’re not far off the level required to win.
