Why pressure may favour Sundowns

As the Betway Premiership title race grows more competitive, former Mamelodi Sundowns midfield general Roger Feutmba believes the defending champions already possess everything required to retain their crown.

With Orlando Pirates pushing strongly and narrowing the gap at the top, Kabo Yellow face a different kind of challenge compared to previous seasons when they often dominated the standings early.

ROGER FEUTMBA: SUNDOWNS HAVE WHAT IT TAKES

Feutmba believes pressure should be embraced rather than feared by a club accustomed to winning.

“Pressure is what makes a big team. To achieve what you want, you must put up with pressure,” he told Kick Off. “Sundowns have what it takes to win this season’s league title. They are a strong team. It’s just that in football, there are always challenges.

The former midfielder believes squad quality remains Sundowns’ biggest advantage and expects the players to respond as the stakes increase.

“We have quality players who will go there and compete and win the league. If as Sundowns we’re gonna win the league this season, then we need to focus on winning all our remaining games.”

Feutmba also acknowledged Pirates’ improvement this season, warning that the chasing pack cannot be underestimated despite Sundowns’ consistency.

Also read: Confirmed: Nedbank Cup quarter-finals

“Pirates are doing well even though they are not as consistent as Sundowns. They are a good team playing good football.

“Sundowns stand a good chance of opening the gap,” the Cameroonian legend concluded.

Coming for the champions is the visit of Manqoba Mngqithi’s Golden Arrows at the Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday, 4 March at 19:30.