We must stand tall as African teams at the Club World Cup in the US, says Komphela

As Mamelodi Sundowns prepare to compete on football’s global stage, senior coach Steve Komphela has called on the team to represent Africa with dignity, pride and purpose at the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.

Departing for the US this past Sunday, the South African champions will be among four African sides – alongside Al Ahly, Wydad Casablanca and Espérance – aiming to showcase the strength and spirit of the continent — on and off the pitch.

Sundowns, however, are expected to draw closer scrutiny, particularly in light of recent political tensions between the two nations.

Before the team departed from OR Tambo International Airport, Komphela delivered a rallying message of fearlessness in the face of global rivals.

“When I stand next to another colleague or counterpart who comes from anywhere in the world, as an African, I must also feel represented,” Komphela explained. “I must stand there with pride, and also feel that I am human. There’s a lot that we are fighting – it’s not only football.

“The biggest mistake we make in our lives is to consider sport as merely sport. It’s a war that is fought without weapons, where we fight for people who can’t be there.”

Komphela added that many misconceptions are directed towards Africans, and that sport must be used to dismantle them.

“All Africans who can’t be at the World Cup are going to be represented by us, and we have to make sure that we represent them well,” he said.

“The myth and misconception of the world thinking Africa is one country – big mistake. We must teach that.

“The world thinks Africa is about disease and poverty – we have to get rid of such myths. When you go out there as an African, you must stand tall with pride and forget about the background.”