Money and vision needed to match Sundowns, says Feutmba

Mamelodi Sundowns legend Roger Feutmba says rival clubs need both substantial financial backing and proper planning if they are to reach the level of the African champions.

Sundowns have established themselves as a global club after appearing in major international competitions, including the FIFA Club World Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Cup.

Feutmba believes the club’s growing international profile is also raising the standing of South African football and giving its players valuable experience ahead of their involvement with the national team.

“Sundowns is bringing South African football to the big stage, their players are exposed to international football, which will obviously benefit the national team,” Feutmba told KICK OFF.

He added that Sundowns’ importance now extended beyond the domestic game.

“In the whole world today you can’t talk about African football without mentioning Mamelodi Sundowns. Of course, to reach the stage of being a global team or brand, you need money.”

However, Feutmba warned that investment alone would not guarantee success. He said clubs also needed a clear long-term direction to make effective use of their resources.

“But sometimes you can have money but lack a vision. Because money without vision cannot help you. You can have a vision, but without money it won’t work, and you can have money, but without proper vision it won’t work.”

According to Feutmba, Sundowns’ progress has come from combining financial support with a clearly defined vision.

“For your vision to work, you need to back it with money. And that’s exactly what Mamelodi Sundowns are doing. I’m not talking player-transfers here.”