Roc Nation, Sundowns Clarify FIFA23 Announcement

After Mamelodi Sundowns had announced they would be the “only African team” in FIFA23, Roc Nation have now corrected the initial statement to Masandawana will be the “only new African team” in the game.

The announcement had caused a stir because it seemed to have suggested that Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates wouldn’t be part of the famous game this year, when in fact Amakhosi and the Buccaneers were the only South African teams in the game from 2009 onwards, with Downs featuring in EA’s game back in the FIFA 2008 version.

However, on Saturday Roc Nation clarified the statement that was put out.

EA SPORTS have since clarified that Mamelodi Sundowns are in fact the only new African team to be added to the latest edition of the game, which will be released at the end of September. All parties would like to apologise for the confusion caused.

— Roc Nation Sports (@RocNationSports) August 27, 2022

Sundowns president Tlhopie Motsepe called the addition of Masandawana a historic achievement for the club.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

In the full list of teams in FIFA23, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates are mentioned.