FIFA President Gianni Infantino looked back on a successful Club World Cup trophy tour in South Africa and shared fond memories of his more recent experiences with Mamelodi Sundowns.
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Gianni Infantino expressed his delight over the new FIFA Club World Cup trophy making its way to Africa in January, as part of the tournament's lead-up to kick-off.
A total of 32 clubs will compete in the expanded competition, including four strong African teams: Al Ahly SC (Egypt), Espérance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), and Wydad AC (Morocco), from 14 June to 13 July 2025.
Sundowns hosted the trophy's first stop in Africa on 8 January where it was warmly welcomed by the club chairman Tlhopie Motsepe, the technical team, and the full squad.
2006 FIFA World Cup winner, Alessandro Nesta accompanied the trophy and joined Downs club captain, Themba Zwane in taking the trophy to the heart of Mamelodi.
"I was so pleased to see the magnificent FIFA Club World Cup trophy visit @sundownsfc and reach the football-loving continent of Africa for the first time," wrote Infantino in a post from his Instagram account.
"The joy it brought to the players and fans alike fills me with confidence that we will have a great tournament in the United States this summer! My best wishes for your group games, Mamelodi Sundowns FC, in Orlando, Cincinnati and Miami," wrote the FIFA President, attaching images from the trophy tour and his last visit to South Africa, where he saw Down clinch the inaugural African Super League.
Masandawana will open their Club World Cup campaign against South Korean outfit, Ulsan HD FC on 17 June, with their second game coming against German giants Borussia Dortmund on 21 June before wrapping up the round robin stage with a clash against Brazil's Fluminense FC.
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