*First stop in Africa
*Three-day tour in South Africa
*Next stop is Egypt on 13 Feb
South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns hosted the FIFA Club World Cup trophy in Johannesburg on Thursday, marking its first African visit on Friday.
As the inaugural African club to go on the trophy tour, Sundowns was one of four African teams scheduled to play in the just-formed competition.
FIFA legend Alessandro Nesta, a member of Italy’s 2006 World Cup winning team, presented the 10-kg gold-plated shield to a cheering South African crowd eagerly awaiting the upcoming world club competition.
The trophy’s first stop was Mamelodi High School, the Mamelodi township’s birthplace of Sundowns. When they saw the dazzling trophy, all the students lit up with excitement.
Tiyani Mabunda, former captain Hlompho Kekana, Sundowns captain Themba Zwane, midfielder Siyabonga Mabena, and renowned goal scorer Daniel Mudau all supported the youngsters as they danced and sang to celebrate the momentous occasion.
The tour then moved to the Tshwane Mayor’s offices, concluding with a visit to Sammy Marks Square, providing fans the chance to have photos taken with the trophy, FIFA legend Nesta, and Sundowns legends.
Fluminense (Brazil), Borussia Dortmund (Germany), Ulsan (South Korea), and Brazilians Sundowns are in Group F.
The trophy’s journey continues to Egypt, where Al Ahly, the reigning African champions, awaits before moving on to Tunisia and four-time African champions Esperance Sportive de Tunis.
The FIFA Club World Cup final will be played in Morocco, where the local team, Wydad Athletic Club, will compete.
The biggest global club competition’s trophy will tour the United States from June 14 to July 13, 2025, stopping at each of the 32 participating clubs’ cities.
