Ex-Chiefs coach to Sundowns: Forget Messi’s shirt, win the Club World Cup

Former Kaizer Chiefs coach Cavin Johnson has a clear message for Mamelodi Sundowns as they prepare for the FIFA Club World Cup in the USA.

The Brazilians are set for a challenging campaign, kicking off their tournament against Ulsan HD on Tuesday, June 17th, at the Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando.

Their group stage journey continues with a highly anticipated clash against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, June 21st, at the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, followed by a potentially decisive encounter with Fluminense on Wednesday, June 25th, at the iconic Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

Johnson stated that Sundowns’ focus should be on winning, not on collecting souvenirs from global superstars like Lionel Messi as a result of being star-struck.

Drawing from his own experience at the Club World Cup with Al Ahly, Johnson emphasised the significance of the tournament. “To be in the World Cup, it’s important; it’s going to be hard for them to succeed in the group stages,” he told KickOff. “I was there with Al Ahly in the World Cup, but it was fewer teams then in Qatar.”

With the expanded 32-team format, Johnson believes Sundowns have a genuine opportunity to advance, provided they prepare meticulously. He highlighted the unique nature of this club-based World Cup, where teams are comprised of players from diverse nations, creating a melting pot of global talent.

Johnson’s most crucial piece of advice centres on the mental aspect of the game. He urged players to approach the tournament with a strong sense of self and purpose. “When you get there, it’s about showing who you are,” he advised. “As a player, you should go there, understanding you might not find a chance to play in another World Cup again.”

He firmly stated that the players should not be intimidated by facing global superstars like Kylian Mbappé or Lionel Messi.

“Prepare yourself mentally, don’t be overawed by the occasion just because you are playing maybe against Kylian Mbappe or Lionel Messi,” Johnson stressed. “It’s a World Cup, there is no egos to be looked at.

“You can’t go on the pitch thinking, ‘Oh no, I’m playing against Lionel Messi, so today I must get his jersey.’…you are even on the pitch. You have to be ready for the World Cup. So go for the World Cup, not for Messi’s jersey.”