5 Mamelodi Sundowns players left out of Club World Cup squad
BIG NAMES LEFT OUT Mamelodi Sundowns announced their Club World Cup squad, leaving out key players like Jody February (pictured), Thapelo Maseko and Matías Esquivel. Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Image: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
With the Club World Cup kicking off in the USA on Saturday, there were a number of big-name omissions in the Mamelodi Sundowns squad, which will be hoping to make South Africa proud.
With Sundowns’ first match a week, scheduled for June 10, against Ulsan HD in Orlando, Florida, it will be with a powerful 26-player squad.
As with any squad, there will always be a number of players left disappointed by being left out.
Themba Zwane will lead Sundowns at the tournament, with Ronwen Williams handling the vice-captaincy duties.
Thapelo Maseko
The 21-year-old winger Thapelo Maseko was probably the biggest name missing from the squad. He has already represented Bafana Bafana at the Africa Cup of Nations, and his absence is indeed quite a surprise.
Matías Esquivel
Matías Esquivel not making the trip was not totally unexpected, as there have been rumours that he may be on his way out of the club. This comes after he had been loaned out by Sundowns, and since he returned, he has been unable to make an impact.
Jody February
The fourth-choice keeper Jody February may have hope to move up the pecking order, but that’s not the case with Williams, Denis Onyango, and Reyaad Pieterse at Sundowns’ disposal.
Zuko Mdunyelwa
Like February, Zuko Mdunyelwa has found it difficult to become a fixture in the Sundowns team as the side has an embarrassment of riches in that department.
Kegan Johannes
Another young defender, Kegan Johannes, at 24, is also yet to make an impact at the Betway Premiership champions, but could have easily made the trip to the USA.
Sundowns squad for Club World Cup: Ronwen Williams, Denis Onyango, Reyaad Pieterse, Khuliso Mudau, Thapelo Morena, Aubrey Modiba, Divine Lunga, Grant Kekana, Malibongwe Khoza, Mothobi Mvala, Keanu Cupido, Mosa Lebusa, Marcelo Allende, Jayden Adams, Themba Zwane, Sphelele Mkhulise, Neo Maema, Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas, Peter Shalulile, Lucas Ribeiro Costa, Iqraam Rayners, Arthur Sales, Tashreeq Matthews, Lebo Mothiba, Kutlwano Letlhaku.