‘Everybody fears Sundowns’ – Davids

Mamelodi Sundowns have built such a formidable reputation in African football that players at some of the continent’s biggest clubs now want to join them.

Sundowns’ sustained success

That’s according to South African coach Fadlu Davids, who believes Sundowns’ sustained success in the CAF Champions League, has made them one of the most attractive destinations for players on the continent.

The Brazilians have won two Champions League titles in the last 10 years and have regularly featured in the latter stages of the competition, going toe-to-toe with continental heavyweights such as Al Ahly, Wydad Casablanca and Espérance.

Speaking on Radio 2000, Davids discussed Sundowns’ rise on the continent and their growing profile on the global stage following their victory over Al-Ahli Saudi in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.

“I think any player at Raja would always comment to me to say ‘please get me into Sundowns’ because everybody wants to play at Sundowns and everybody fears Sundowns,” Davids said.

“It’s their visibility in CAF Champions League always being in the semi-finals and in finals. Yes, it’s only champions league titles but it’s not easy to win it but they’ve always been there about and it’s only through visionary leadership of Dr Patrice Motsepe”

Sundowns’ financial muscle has also helped them compete for some of the most sought-after players around the world. Billionaire businessman Patrice Motsepe handed the running of the club to his son Tlhopie in 2021 after being elected CAF President that same year.

Under Tlhopie’s chairmanship, Sundowns have continued to grow their reputation. Davids says their financial resources, combined with their recruitment strategy, have played a major role in their rise since Motsepe bought the club more than two decades ago.

‘It needs time’

“Not all clubs have a budget to be able to sign players or strikers and I will give you an example when I was at Raja,” Davids added.

“I was going through the transfer market in January, we wanted to be in the top three of Africa and that was our ambition and it needs time.

“For Sundowns to sign (Brayan) León (it was) probably for 3 million dollars and for Raja it (budget) was 300 thousand dollars. Not all clubs in Africa have the budget to be able to sign these gems that fit into their style.”

Davids, who holds a UEFA Pro Licence, was part of Josef Zinnbauer’s coaching staff at Raja Casablanca when the club became the first Moroccan side in history to win the Botola unbeaten during the 2023-24 season.