Mamelodi Sundowns legend Roger Feutmba has welcomed new signing Nuno
Santos’ explosive start but issued a clear warning against premature
comparisons, stating that long-term consistency will define his true value
to the club.
The Cameroonian-born icon, who witnessed Santos’ two-goal debut against
Saint Eloi Lupopo at Loftus Stadium, praised the Portuguese midfielder’s
immediate impact but stressed that maintaining performance levels is what
separates good signings from great ones.
“I believe he is a good player, considering what he has shown until now. We
can say that we have something,” Feutmba said in an exclusive interview.
“But it’s not about playing a game or two or three games and then
disappearing. He is a quality player, but you have to make sure that you
keep that consistency.”
Feutmba expressed overall optimism about the team’s direction, highlighting
their strong second-half performance as a foundation for the season. “What I
saw, especially the second half, I was quite happy. We can look at the
season with a lot of positivity. So, it’s not only about him,” he noted,
pointing to a collective team effort.
He also singled out Marcelo Allende for particular praise, acknowledging a
shift in his own assessment. “Personally, I don’t rate Marcelo Allende too
highly, but yesterday, he did a great, great, great job. The team had a very
good game, especially in the second half, and we have to make sure that we
keep that consistency.”
When asked to compare Santos to former fan-favourite Lucas Ribeiro Costa,
Feutmba was adamant about resisting the temptation. “I don’t like to compare
a player,” he stated. “Ribeiro was a different type of player, and he kept
the consistency throughout the season. That is why we are still talking
about him today.”
For Feutmba, the focus should be on Santos carving out his own legacy. “It’s
very important that we understand that it’s not about playing a few good
games. There is a great sign that Santos can really help, so he has to come
in and do what he has to do without being compared to anyone else.”
In conclusion, while impressed by the “good player” he saw, Feutmba’s
message was clear: Santos’ promising debut is just the first step, and
sustained excellence is the true currency at a club like Sundowns.
