Sundowns winger Letlhaku discusses FIFA Club World Cup experience

Kutlwano Letlhaku - Photo Credit: Sundowns Media.

Mamelodi Sundowns winger Kutlwano Letlhaku has revealed his excitement at featuring for the South African champions during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the USA.

Sundowns were among the four African nations that took part at the global showpiece but they failed to go past the group stages following their 0-0 final Group F fixture draw against Fluminense, who progressed to the round of 16 alongside leaders Borussia Dortmund.

Fresh from lifting the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with South Africa’s Amajita in Egypt, the 19-year-old came off the bench against Dortmund in the thrilling 4-3 defeat, and set up a goal for striker Lebo Mothiba. He came on as a substitute again in the 0-0 draw against Fluminense at the Hard Rock Stadium.

“Firstly, I was nervous and I was scared of playing against them but the coach came to me and told me that he's thinking of putting me in then, he said I mustn't have pressure, I must just enjoy football. So, I guess that made me feel calm and I played my football,” Letlhaku said as quoted by SABC Sports.

“Dortmund is a very big team in the world, so, playing against them was a huge thing for me and one thing happened that when I went in, I went straight to Süle [Niklas] then I was like, this guy is huge. So, that thing made me feel like I have to work hard to be here. So, getting that assist was just a cherry on top of the cake so I must just be grateful.”

Letlhaku further revealed what Cardoso had told him: “No, he just said maybe I can give him something so he trusts me then he said Themba [Zwane] is a little bit tired, so maybe I can go in and help the team. Even after the game I was grateful to him, I just went to him and hugged him for giving me this opportunity.”