Why South Africa’s love affair with left-footed playmakers endures

The left-footed playmaker may belong to an earlier era of South African football, but the influence of the role was central to Episode 11 of The CarWash Podcast, featuring former Cameroon international and Mamelodi Sundowns icon Roger Feutmba.

The discussion looked back at the generation of imported playmakers who helped define an era, including Mamelodi Sundowns greats Feutmba and Raphael Chukwu.

Linda ‘Figo’ Mntambo spoke with particular admiration about the partnership between the two players, describing such combinations as the ultimate expression of dominance. He credited the legendary Dan Malesela with bringing the Sundowns pairing together and argued that overseas recruitment should improve the standard of South African football whenever clubs turn to foreign talent.

South Africa, Mntambo said, already has numerous talented players of its own and a strong supply of youngsters who can be developed. His concern was that some clubs move too readily for foreign players who do not justify the transfer fees involved.

That argument also underlined his appreciation of Feutmba and Chukwu, whose performances were entertaining regardless of which club supporters followed.

Former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo broadened the discussion by recalling other influential left-footed players, including the late Isaac ‘Shakes’ Kungwane and the late Cedric ‘Sugar Ray’ Xulu.

Mhlongo remembered their derby meetings for Kaizer Chiefs, when their unpredictable combinations caused problems for Moroka Swallows. He said the appeal of watching such players went beyond their backgrounds or appearance. What mattered, he suggested, was the quality and depth of their ability on the pitch.

Teko Modise developed that theme by explaining that young players in that period had little understanding of transfers or recruitment. They were largely required to create their own routes towards success, a point Feutmba illustrated with an experience from his career.

Feutmba recalled coming to South Africa after being invited to represent the Cameroon national team at the Simba Four Nations tournament. Mamelodi Sundowns subsequently approached him with an offer to play in the PSL.

The move, he explained, represented more than an opportunity to earn money. It also gave him the satisfaction of being noticed and valued for his ability.

“I’m happy that I was inspired like you guys were by the generation who came before you.”

For today’s footballers, the wider lesson may be that a lasting career involves more than imitating the most exciting players on the field. It also requires developing the passion for soccer that allows talent to endure over time.