Roger Feutmba urges Mamelodi Sundowns to move on after Champions League exit

Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Roger Feutmba has urged the club to respond positively after their shock CAF Champions League elimination, insisting there is still plenty to achieve this season.

The Cameroonian, who represented Sundowns between 1996 and 1999, said he was deeply disappointed to see the Brazilians knocked out by Angolan side Wiliete.

Despite the setback, Feutmba believes Sundowns must quickly refocus on their remaining domestic commitments, with the league and cup competitions still to be contested.

“We need to understand that no matter how excellent we believe we are, we can still make mistakes,” Feutmba told the Siya crew.

He said the result was particularly damaging because of Sundowns’ importance to the country’s football, while warning that even the strongest teams could not assume success was guaranteed.

“No matter how great or good you are, you can make mistakes… what happened is a very difficult thing for the club, because we are the mirror of South African football,” he said.

“If you talk African football, you mention Sundowns. It’s not good for our football that we are not in the Champions League, but we still have the league and cups to play for.”

Feutmba also pointed to Sundowns’ response in the matches since their continental exit, saying their victories had helped restore confidence within the squad.

“My message to the team is simple; there’s still a lot to play for. And I believe that we learn moving forward,” he added.

“I also believe we’ve learned again that nothing is guaranteed, no matter how great we are. We’ve won a couple of games since then, so that brings back the confidence to the players moving forward.”

The former midfielder said Sundowns could not afford to dwell on the disappointment and needed to prepare immediately for their next challenge.

“I always say football doesn’t accommodate negative feelings. So you need to connect fast in a positive way to make sure that you are ready for the next challenge,” Feutmba said.

Sundowns’ next fixture is a Carling Knockout quarter-final against Golden Arrows on Tuesday evening.

The match will be played at Loftus Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 19H00.