Mamelodi Sundowns ready for Ulsan test for FIFA Club World Cup opener

The Betway Premiership champions will be targeting their first victory against Asian opposition, having lost 4-1 against South Korean side Jeonbuk back in their first appearance in the tournament in 2016.

Only three players from that defeat are still in the Masandawana squad, with Bafana Bafana midfielder Themba Zwane, wing-back Thapelo Morena and goalkeeper Denis Onyango all being part of former head coach Pitso Mosimane's squad.

Ironically, Themba Zwane was an unused substitute in the 2016 loss to Jeonbuk and much of the talk leading up to the match is whether he will start or not.

Mshishi recently did not feature in the CAF Champions League final loss to Pyramids, despite being fit for the clash, a move that was lambasted by many supporters.

Miguel Cardoso will need to use all the experience he has at his disposal in order to get a positive start to Group F.

Mamelodi Sundowns would be confident after a fairly successful 2024/25 season, where they retained their domestic league title and should be proud of the CAF Champions League campaign, despite their runners-up finish.

Ulsan on the other hand head into the fixture in the middle of their own domestic K-League 1 season, where they currently lie third, nine points off leaders Jeonbuk.

The South Korean side has endured a poor continental campaign this season and find themselves in tenth position of their 12-team Group A table.

Kick-off is a midnight.