Divine Lunga says Mamelodi Sundowns could surprise German giants Dortmund

The Brazilians are used to being the favourites when they take to the field, having won the past seven successive South African top-flight titles.

They only lost three games all season in the 2024/25 Betway Premiership, although they also narrowly lost out to Pyramids FC 3-2 in the final of the CAF Champions League at the beginning of June.

But they started their Club World Cup campaign with a strong 1-0 win over Korea's Ulsan HD, and will approach their clash with Dortund with a similar confidence to win.

However, Lunga expects a much more competitive tie against the eight-time German champions at the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday.

He said in the Citizen: "Everyone knows what Dortmund are capable of. They are not a small team, they are big guns but even us we might be underdogs but I think where we come from people know who Mamelodi Sundowns are.

"They know what happens when you meet Sundowns but I think even Dortmund as well. I even read an interview of their coach talking about us so I think it will be a tough game and it's not going to be an easy one."

On the recent victory, Lunga added: "I feel happy about the win and I think we gave it our all. Everyone fought and we fought to get the win and I'm happy about the victory. We analysed their games that they played before they [Ulsan] came this side so we expected their approach."

A win for the Brazilians will secure their place in the knockout stage with one group match still to play.