{
  "id": 8891399,
  "title": "Modiba believes Sundowns can compete with the world’s best",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/modiba-believes-sundowns-can-compete-with-the-worlds-best",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-21T09:44:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/soccer/local-soccer/modiba-believes-sundowns-can-compete-with-the-worlds-best/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Aubrey Modiba, a defender for Mamelodi Sundowns, expressed confidence that the Brazilian team, with their recent victory over Al-Ahli Saudi, has the potential to compete with the world's elite clubs. Sundowns narrowly defeated the Saudi Pro League side 2-1 at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, bringing them within one match of an encounter with European champions Paris Saint-Germain. The victory also earned Sundowns the FIFA African-Asian Pacific Cup, a significant addition to their trophy collection. Modiba was thrilled with the result, stating that it would etch his name and his teammates' names into the club's history as the first footballers to win the cup. Despite the Saudi side's experienced players and tactical mastery, Modiba emphasized that his team's focus remains on putting in their best effort and competing against any club, regardless of their pedigree. The next step for Sundowns is a match against the winner of the clash between Toluca and the eventual 2026 Copa Libertadores champions, with a sighting of the ultimate goal being a showdown with PSG.",
  "summary": "'On any day and on a good pitch, we can hurt anyone,' he said.",
  "key_points": [
    "Aubrey Modiba confident Sundowns can compete with world's best.",
    "Sundowns narrowly defeated Al-Ahli Saudi 2-1, advancing to PSG showdown.",
    "Modiba thrilled with victory, aiming for historic cup win."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}