Feutmba backs Mamelodi Sundowns to retain CAF Champions League title

Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Roger Feutmba believes the reigning African champions have the quality and squad depth to win the CAF Champions League for a second successive season.

Sundowns will begin their title defence in the second preliminary round after receiving a bye through the opening stage. Thursday’s draw means they will meet either Angolan club Wiliete SC or Foresters of the Seychelles.

The Tshwane-based side will face considerable expectations as they attempt to repeat their success in Africa’s leading club competition. However, Feutmba is confident the club’s structure, consistency and style of play can carry them to another title.

“There’s no doubt about that. Sundowns has the squad to retain the title. Like I always say, Sundowns, for me, is the best team in Africa today.

“Not just because we won the Champions League, but because of the consistency, because of the quality of the players involved in that team. Also because of the depth we have in that team, because it’s not only about two or three players. You have a squad that is built around a great project. The way Sundowns plays football, that is the way I believe football should be played.”

The former midfielder nevertheless warned that Sundowns cannot afford to become complacent while defending their crown.

Feutmba said the unpredictability of football meant the South African club would need to remain focused throughout the campaign, particularly as they prepare to face the strongest teams on the continent.

“Football sometimes is unpredictable. So, you always have to be alert, to be careful, to make sure that you don’t accommodate complacency.

“And to keep everybody aware that we are on top. We’re going to face a lot of challenges. We’re going to face competition,” Feutmba concluded.

Sundowns’ campaign will form part of a demanding season for the club, with the team facing commitments across eight competitions.

The first legs of the first preliminary round are scheduled to take place from 4-6 September, with the return matches following between 11 and 13 September.

The second preliminary round will then begin with first-leg fixtures from 16-18 October. Those ties will be concluded in the return matches scheduled for 23-25 October.

Sundowns’ bye means the club will not be involved in the first preliminary-round fixtures, but their eventual opponents will be decided by the outcome of the tie between Wiliete SC and Foresters.

With the club already established as the reigning African champions, attention will now turn to whether Sundowns can handle the pressure that comes with being the team to beat. Feutmba’s assessment is that the squad has the depth, technical quality and collective identity required to mount another successful defence of the CAF Champions League title.