Mamelodi Sundowns have made what they called a “historic announcement” this afternoon, confirming they will be the only African team to feature in the FIFA23 game.
Masandawana already had one big announcement earlier in the week when they confirmed the arrival of Chile international Marcelo Allende, who immediately made the match-day squad against Stellenbosch FC and scored on his debut.
They also recently signed a partnership agreement StatsBomb and will now have access to analytics and data from them, becoming one of 150 clubs and nations worldwide who use the company’s analysis tools.
On Friday, Downs have confirmed they will be the only African team to feature in FIFA23.
Sundowns last featured in EA’s game back in the FIFA 2008 version, but from 2009 until 2022 Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates were the only South African teams in the game. The announcement seems to also indicate that Chiefs and Pirates are no longer represented.
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“Sport has the unique ability to bring people together, and no sport unites people as powerfully as football does in Africa. From its first introduction in 1993, the FIFA video game series has played a similar role in bringing Africans together around gaming consoles across the continent, and more recently, it has brought African gamers to the world,” chairman, Tlhopie Motsepe said.
“Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club is delighted to be part of the EA SPORTS roster of teams and is humbled to represent our continent in the latest edition of FIFA 23. For the longest time, supporters of South African football have pleaded with us to get the team included on the platform. Now, we can finally give gamers the chance to play as The Brazilians of Africa, Bafana Ba Style (The Boys with Style) and take on the best clubs in global football. This is a special milestone in Mamelodi Sundowns’ history and I would like to thank EA SPORTS and Roc Nation Sports International for believing in the club.”
These sentiments were echoed by Michael Yormark, President of Roc Nation Sports International: “This is yet another hugely significant moment in the history of the Mamelodi Sundowns football club. When Roc Nation Sports International first teamed up with Sundowns in a dynamic collaboration last year, we were committed to amplifying the club’s inspiring story as a team that truly embodies their motto ‘The Sky is the Limit’. This partnership with EA SPORTS is yet another testament to this club mantra. Congratulations to Sundowns and all of their supporters.”
Downs are back in action on the pitch on Sunday when they will host SuperSport United in the MTN8 quarter-final.
