“Sundowns Will Go Even Harder Next Time” – Himoonde Hails Club World Cup Run

Former Zambia international defender and 2012 AFCON champion, Hichani Himoonde, has commended South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns for their spirited performance at the FIFA Club World Cup, while expressing concern over the continued decline of TP Mazembe, one of Africa’s most successful clubs.

In an exclusive interview, Himoonde, who featured for both clubs during his career, shared mixed feelings about their current trajectories on the continental and global stage.

Reflecting on Sundowns’ Club World Cup outing, where the South African side earned four points from three group matches, Himoonde said their showing on the world stage was commendable and a sign of the club’s growing stature.

“It was good to see the team at the FIFA Club World Cup this year, and to see them perform in that manner against the best clubs in the world was impressive,” Himoonde said. “They managed to record four points out of three games, which isn’t bad for a team competing at a global stage. Believe me, this will make them go even harder to ensure that they return in the next edition of the tournament.”

Sundowns, widely regarded as one of the most professionally run clubs in Africa, have been at the forefront of southern African football success. Himoonde believes their Club World Cup appearance will only strengthen their resolve and provide the experience needed to challenge further in future editions.

In contrast, Himoonde expressed disappointment at the failure of his former club TP Mazembe to qualify for CAF interclub competitions next season, marking the first time since 1967 that the Congolese giants will be absent from continental football.

“It’s really disappointing to see one of the big clubs in African football miss out on such tournaments,” he lamented. “I think it all comes down to management, and also the conflicts in the country could be part of the reason for their poor results.”

Mazembe, who have won the CAF Champions League five times, failed to finish in the top two of the Linafoot National Championship play-offs, a result that shocked fans and stakeholders across the continent.

Despite the setback, Himoonde remains optimistic about the club’s future and urged management to prioritize squad rebuilding and stability.

“Hopefully, they bounce back this coming season and earn a spot in next year’s CAF competitions. They need to reinforce the team with quality players. I know they can rebuild — and they will bounce back even stronger.”