Johannesburg - Pitso Mosimane will need to continue on his record-setting spree if Mamelodi Sundowns are to end Africa's generally poor record at the Fifa Club World Cup.
The Brazilians will arrive in the country early on Wednesday morning with gold medals dangling down their necks following their Caf Champions League triumph in Egypt at the weekend.
And no doubt many a South Africans would love to see them add the global title to their name. That would be easier said than done though, what with the great Real Madrid also in the competition that will take place in Japan from December 8 to 18.
But there's also the fact that the continent just hasn't had a good run in the competition that started 16 years ago for Sundowns to overcome. Only twice have Africa reached the final, with TP Mazembe losing 3-0 to Inter Milan in 2010 and Raja Casablanca falling 2-0 to Bayern Munich in 2013.
Those though were great showings, for in general Africa's representatives at the tournament have been the whipping boys. Six times they have finished in 6th place and twice in 7th place.
In 34 matches played at the tournament, Africa has only won nine times and were defeated a massive 22 times, statistics that tell a sad tale of the continent's lowly standing in world football.
Many South Africans are of the view Sundowns won't have a problem overcoming their potential first opponents Auckland City of New Zealand. Yet while the Kiwis are more into the oval leather ball game than the round one, they cannot be taken for granted.
City did beat Etoile du Sahel in the competition in the past and there can be no denying the Tunisians are a formidable opposition.
Auckland City will play against the Japanese (J-League) champions in the first round match with the winner going on to meet Sundowns who will probably prefer not to meet the host nation side who will enjoy serious partisan backing.
Yet having won just about all there is to win for a South African club coach, Mosimane will likely welcome all comers. After all, this participation at the prestigious world event was not even part of his plan for this year, Mosimane having initially targeted the continental gong for next year.
But when his club, already knocked out of both the Caf Champions League and the Confederation Cup, received a backdoor re-entry into the premier competition after AS Vita Club were kicked out for using an ineligible player, Mosimane and his boys grabbed the chance.
Now, they are in line to mix it up with the world's big guns where they are guaranteed at least two matches, the 2nd round clash as well as a play-off for 5th spot should they not win that one. In previous years, Mosimane has spoken highly of Mazembe and how their success on the continent inspires him.
He is sure to go to Japan looking to at least emulate the DRC Congo side. And following their incredible run in the Caf Champions League, can anyone rule against Sundowns improving on Africa's pathetic showing at the global showpiece?
@extrastrongsa
Independent Media