Modiba: ‘People Know More About Us Now’
Mamelodi Sundowns defender Aubrey Modiba believes their latest international triumph can help put South African talent on the global stage and introduce more people around the world to the country’s football.
The Brazilians defeated Asian champions Al Ahli 2-1 last Saturday to be crowned FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup champions, with Portuguese midfielder Nuno Santos scoring both goals with headers in the first and second half.
The victory also saw Sundowns become the third African club to win the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup. African powerhouse Al Ahli previously defeated United Arab Emirates side Al Ain in 2024 to claim the trophy, while Egyptian club Pyramids defeated Al Ahli in 2025.
For Modiba, the significance of Sundowns competing and succeeding on the international stage extends beyond the club itself, as he believes it provides an opportunity for South African players to gain greater exposure around the world.
“This is a great thing to put out there, especially here in South Africa, because I don’t think a lot of people are familiar with it,” he said.
“But with us participating in the World Cup, people know more about us now.
“For us, it is just to keep moving forward. This is a great opportunity because it exposes our talent to the world.
“Players who are playing abroad have seen what other athletes are doing abroad, and for us, it is about maintaining that level.”
Sundowns will now have another opportunity to showcase South African talent on the international stage when they compete in the FIFA Challenger Cup.
The Brazilians will face the winner of the Derby of the Americas between Mexican club Toluca and the eventual Copa Libertadores winners. The Copa Libertadores is currently at the semi-final stage, with three Brazilian clubs and one Argentine side remaining in the competition.
A victory in that encounter would see Sundowns progress to the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final in Qatar in December.
The African champions would then face Paris Saint-Germain, the defending champions and automatic finalists, in the final.
