The Athletic FC Podcast: Inside South Africa’s Super Club

Release Date: June 12, 2025
Host: Adam Leventhal
Featured Guests: David Ornstein, Phil Hay, Adam Crafton, Matt Slater, Simon Hu

Introduction to the Club World Cup and Mamelodi Sundowns

The latest episode of The Athletic FC Podcast, hosted by Adam Leventhal, delves into the upcoming Club World Cup, set to commence on June 14, 2025, in the United States. This prestigious tournament features 32 teams divided into eight groups of four, leading into the knockout stages. While global stars like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Harry Kane are expected to participate, a South African powerhouse, the Mamelodi Sundowns, is also in the spotlight.

Adam Leventhal introduces the event, highlighting its significance and the absence of traditional giants such as Barcelona, Manchester United, and Cristiano Ronaldo. The Club World Cup is the brainchild of FIFA President Gianni Infantino and boasts a luxurious gold Tiffany trophy. The tournament offers substantial incentives, including a $1 billion prize fund and the honor of wearing a special badge on the winning club’s jersey.

Club Overview: History and Achievements

The Mamelodi Sundowns are a dominant force in South African football, having clinched the last eight South African Premiership titles and boasting 15 titles overall. Despite their domestic success, the club has yet to secure the CAF Champions League since 2016. Participating in the Club World Cup represents a pivotal opportunity for both sporting excellence and economic growth.

Training Facilities and Club Culture

Leventhal takes listeners to the Sundowns training center in Clop, near Johannesburg, depicting a facility characterized by high walls adorned in Brazilian yellow. The center includes training pitches for both men's and women's teams, modest academy facilities, pools, a gym, and a cafeteria. The primary investment lies in the staff, coaches, and players, all aligned with the club's high ambitions.

Inspirational messages permeate the facility, reinforcing the club’s identity. One such message, "Ubuntu Botu", meaning "Kindness and Compassion", is emblazoned on the team's shirts, encapsulating the club’s ethos.

Player Insights

Grant Kekana – Centre Back

Timestamp: 15:30

Grant Kekana, a centre back who joined in 2021, describes himself as the "hype man" of the team. He emphasizes the club's mentality with messages like "the sky's the limit", which uplift the players’ mental game. Kekana states:

“It elevates us mentally to always be at the top of our game.” (15:45)

Dennis Masinde Onyango – Goalkeeper

Timestamp: 18:10

Dennis Onyango, the goalkeeper since 2011, discusses the club’s nickname, "the Brazilians", highlighting the importance of maintaining their entertaining and skillful style of play. He shares his admiration for the captain:

“Temba's 1mshi is my favorite player. He's my legend.” (19:20)

Temba Zwane – Midfielder and Captain

Timestamp: 22:05

Captain Temba Zwane, who has been with the club since 2011, speaks about his roots in Thembisa and the challenges he overcame, which shaped his resilience. Reflecting on his role, Zwane mentions:

“These situations made me stronger. I don't complain.” (23:50)

Coaching Impact: Miguel Cardozo

Timestamp: 25:00

Miguel Cardozo, the head coach appointed in December 2024, brings a European tactical acumen to Sundowns, drawing inspiration from Jose Mourinho and Mikel Arteta. Cardozo focuses on defensive solidity and fostering a deep connection with players, both professionally and personally. Players appreciate his dual approach, blending tactical discipline with personal development:

“I'm trying to make them better people.” (26:15)

Under his leadership, players like Dennis and Grant have developed a more assertive defensive mindset, with Cardozo’s energetic presence igniting the team’s spirit.

Tactical Identity: The Brazilians

Timestamp: 30:40

The Sundowns’ playing style, known as "the Brazilians", is more than a color scheme—it represents a tactical identity emphasizing relaxed possession and composure. Club legend Trot Mulatto elaborates on this philosophy:

“Playing the shoe shine and piano means we are relaxed and composed on possession.” (31:10)

This identity is integral to maintaining the club’s entertaining and effective style, ensuring that performance aligns with the club’s values.

Community Engagement and Ownership: Patrice and Telopi Motsepe

Timestamp: 35:20

The Motsepe family plays a crucial role in the club’s success. Patrice Motsepe, the owner since 2003 and CAF President, handed over the club’s control to his son Telopi Motsepe, the current chairman. Telopi emphasizes the club’s deep-rooted connection to the community:

“Our motto is the sky is the limit. We inspire people from the townships.” (36:45)

Under Telopi’s leadership, the club invests heavily in community projects, from food gardens to football clinics in Uganda, reinforcing their commitment to social responsibility and community upliftment.

Ambitions for the Club World Cup

Timestamp: 40:10

The Sundowns view the Club World Cup as a significant platform to test themselves against global elite teams, gain international exposure, and provide invaluable experience to their players. Sporting Director Flemming Bell outlines the club’s dual ambition:

“We aim to measure ourselves and invest in our academies and communities.” (41:30)

Despite a recent loss in the CAF Champions League final to Pyramids, the club remains undeterred, aiming to leverage the tournament’s financial benefits to bolster their infrastructure and youth development programs.

Challenges and Controversies: Financial Disparities and Tournament Structure

Timestamp: 45:55

The episode addresses concerns about the unequal distribution of wealth in the Club World Cup, emphasizing how financial disparities can reinforce dominance among already wealthy clubs like Sundowns. Simon Hu, the embedded reporter, discusses the potential negative impact on the broader South African football landscape:

“The richest teams just get richer, reinforcing their dominance.” (47:20)

Conversely, the club argues that increased investment can professionalize South African football and retain local talent longer. However, maintaining a balance is crucial to avoid widening the gap between Sundowns and other local clubs.

Additionally, the timing and organization of the tournament pose challenges, particularly regarding the players' fatigue due to prolonged seasons. This has raised questions about the fairness and overall effectiveness of the tournament structure.

Conclusion: Future Prospects and Final Thoughts

Timestamp: 50:05

As the Club World Cup approaches, the Mamelodi Sundowns embody both ambition and resilience. Their participation is seen as a beacon for South African and African football, showcasing talent on a global stage and inspiring the next generation of players. Leventhal concludes with optimism:

“The Club World Cup is an opportunity to express what South Africa is capable of.” (51:40)

The episode wraps up with anticipation for Sundowns’ performance, highlighting their potential to advance beyond the group stages and make a significant impact internationally.

Additional Insights from Embedded Reporter Simon Hu

Timestamp: 53:15

Simon Hu, The Athletic’s writer who embedded with the Sundowns, provides a reflective analysis of the club’s journey and the broader implications for South African football:

“They have a real sense of who they are and what they expect to see from their players and the manager.” (54:00)

He underscores the professionalism and structural similarities between Sundowns and top European clubs, attributing their success to strategic investments and a clear identity. Hu also emphasizes the importance of the Club World Cup in promoting African football and addressing economic disparities within the tournament’s framework.

Looking Ahead: Upcoming Episode Preview

Leventhal teases the next episode titled "The Most Powerful Man in World Football", focusing on Gianni Infantino, the architect of the Club World Cup. This special installment will explore Infantino’s influence on global football, his leadership at FIFA, and the controversies surrounding his tenure.

Notable Quotes:

• Grant Kekana:
  “It elevates us mentally to always be at the top of our game.” (15:45)

• Dennis Masinde Onyango:
  “Temba's 1mshi is my favorite player. He's my legend.” (19:20)

• Temba Zwane:
  “These situations made me stronger. I don't complain.” (23:50)

• Miguel Cardozo:
  “I'm trying to make them better people.” (26:15)

• Trot Mulatto:
  “Playing the shoe shine and piano means we are relaxed and composed on possession.” (31:10)

• Telopi Motsepe:
  “Our motto is the sky is the limit. We inspire people from the townships.” (36:45)

• Flemming Bell:
  “We aim to measure ourselves and invest in our academies and communities.” (41:30)

• Simon Hu:
  “They have a real sense of who they are and what they expect to see from their players and the manager.” (54:00)

Final Thoughts

This episode provides an in-depth look at the Mamelodi Sundowns, their operational excellence, community engagement, and the strategic vision driving them towards the Club World Cup. Through interviews with key players, the coaching staff, and insights from embedded reporter Simon Hu, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of why Sundowns are a formidable force in African football and their aspirations on the global stage.

For fans and newcomers alike, "Inside South Africa’s Super Club" offers a rich narrative of ambition, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence in the beautiful game.