Legendary Thierry Henry joins the chorus of Mamelodi Sundowns praise singers

South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns may have exited the FIFA Club World Cup at the end of the group stage with heads held high after showcasing an exhilarating style of play that resonated with fans and football pundits alike.

In an interview aired on several social media platforms, renowned football icon Thierry Henry expressed his admiration for the South African club, acknowledging their spirited performances in a fiercely competitive Group F that included notable teams like Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense.

Henry noted, “Looking at Group F, I must say, Mamelodi Sundowns were the one team that truly brought excitement to the game. Their style of football kept you on the edge of your seat.” While they faced challenges in securing advancement with just four points, Henry emphasised that their exit was not a reflection of their quality, stating, “Sometimes, football just doesn’t go your way.”

Despite not progressing to the knockout rounds, Sundowns demonstrated remarkable strengths throughout the tournament. With only a single loss against the formidable Borussia Dortmund, the South African squad highlighted their discipline and tactical awareness on the pitch.

“They showed beautiful football,” Henry remarked, pointing to their impressive domination of possession—an increasingly rare sight for African teams competing on the global stage.

Sundowns’ attack was characterised by sharpness and confidence. Henry lauded their ability to control the tempo of the games rather than simply defending and waiting for counterattacks. “Their attackers were sharp, full of confidence, and always looked like they could score,” he noted, underscoring their attacking prowess that had onlookers in awe.

Reflecting on the broader context of African football, Henry maintained that there is still a long journey ahead for the continent to firm its presence in international competitions. However, he underscored Mamelodi Sundowns’ distinct performance, asserting, “They were the only African team that looked like they belonged at this level. They made Africa proud.”

Ultimately, Henry's smile for Sundowns serves as a beacon of hope, encouraging the club to continue believing in their unique style of play. “If they stick to this system, keep believing in their style, then football won’t be their problem in the future. Their time will come,” he stated.

Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovac was another luminary to praise the performance of Sundowns, delivering a heartfelt tribute to the skill and dedication displayed by the South African side.

Dortmund defeated Sundowns, winning 4-3 at the QTL Stadium in Ohio last Saturday, and Kovac said afterwards the match proved to be a test for the Bundesliga side. He said it was a testament to the growing prowess of African football on the international stage.

“Sundowns is a football team that likes to play football very well, an educated game, I would say,” Kovac remarked. His comments underline the increasing recognition of Sundowns in global football, particularly their commitment to a possession-based style that prioritises technical proficiency.

Kovac's admiration for Sundowns was evident as he acknowledged the challenges posed by the team. “This is what happened, and we saw how hard it was to play against Sundowns,” he added, highlighting the competitive nature of the match. "The back-and-forth battle on the pitch was not for the faint-hearted. Both teams demonstrated their attacking flair and tactical acumen."