Former Mamelodi Sundowns star explains why Antonio van Wyk is a FIFA Club World Cup signing - 'We're not focusing on dominating the local space'

Mamelodi Sundowns have moved to secure Antonio van Wyk ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup, according to reports from a former Sundowns player. The South African champions, who finished atop the DStv Premiership last season with 56 points, appear focused on bolstering their squad for the expanded 32-team tournament rather than solely strengthening their domestic dominance. Van Wyk's arrival signals a deliberate shift in Sundowns' transfer strategy as they prepare to compete against elite European and South American clubs on football's biggest club stage.

The move underscores Sundowns' ambition to challenge for silverware beyond South Africa's borders, particularly in a competition that has attracted the world's strongest sides. Masandawana won the CAF Champions League in 2016 and have consistently competed in Africa's premier continental club competition, yet this represents a statement of intent to test themselves globally. Van Wyk, who brings experience from his time in the South African top flight, joins a squad that recorded 80 goals during their domestic league campaign and has invested significantly in foreign talent to compete at the highest level.

Sundowns will now integrate Van Wyk into their preparations for the Club World Cup, where they face opponents including Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich. The Pretoria-based outfit made 14 appearances in continental competition during the previous campaign, demonstrating their commitment to European-standard preparation. Should Van Wyk feature prominently in the tournament, his performances could influence Sundowns' longer-term transfer planning and establish whether the club can genuinely compete with global powerhouses in coming seasons.