Roger Feutmba: The General with a Legacy of Mastery and Left-Footed Magic

ROGER FEUTMBA

THE GENERAL WITH A LEGACY OF

MASTERY AND LEFT-FOOTED MAGIC

Author: Natashe Hove

When it comes to Mamelodi Sundowns’ rich footballing heritage, certain names stand out—icons who not only donned the yellow jersey but also embodied the spirit of “Shoe Shine and Piano” football.

Roger Feutmba, nicknamed “The General,” is one of those legendary names. With his wand-like left foot and extraordinary football IQ, Roger controlled the tempo at the heart of Sundowns’ midfield during his heydays and pulled the strings of the team’s attack with his pinpoint passing and vision.

Roger joined Sundowns in 1996, coming from Belgian club KV Kortrijk. By then, his football pedigree was already well-known. As a member of the legendary Cameroon squad that reached the quarter-finals in the 1990 FIFA World Cup, Feutmba had played on the grandest stages and shared the field with legends like Roger Milla, Thomas N’Kono, François Omam-Biyik and several others. It didn’t take long for South African football fans to witness the magic that made him highly revered within the Indomitable Lions ranks.

With Masandawana, he won three consecutive PSL titles, cementing his place as one of the greatest-ever imports in South African football to date. The cherry on top? Winning the PSL Players’ Player of the Season award in the 1998-1999 season.
The Digital Magazine team sat down with the charismatic General himself to discuss his journey with Sundowns, the Club’s heritage, and the memories that still live on in the hearts of the Masandawana faithful.

Digital Magazine (DM): Roger, it’s clear that football remains such a big part of your life. What are you doing at the moment?

Roger Feutmba (RF): Football is my life, it always has been. Even after retiring as a player, I never stopped being involved in the game. Right now, I’m working with youngsters, both here in South Africa and back in Cameroon. It’s my way of giving back to the community and helping the next generation of footballers. I feel it’s a responsibility to pass on the knowledge and experience I gained throughout my career. These kids have dreams, and if I can help them get closer to achieving them, then I’m happy.

DM: You were part of one of the most successful Sundowns teams. Do you see any similarities between that team and the current generation?

RF: Absolutely. What stands out the most is the consistency. We were fortunate that Dr. Motsepe took over the Club when he did (in 2004). He wasn’t just a businessman, he was a football supporter who wanted to see change and make a difference. That made all the difference because he understood the culture of the Club. When he took over, his focus wasn’t on changing the heritage but on enhancing it. That’s why you still see the same DNA in the team today. Shoe Shine and Piano football.

We inherited the style of play (shoe-shine-and-piano) from the players before us, and we made it better. Now, this generation has done the same. It’s all about playing with rhythm, with flair, but also with discipline. That’s the Sundowns’ way. The administration has done a great job of preserving that legacy while giving every new generation the chance to build on it. When I watch players like Themba Zwane and Teboho Mokoena, I see the same foundation we had. They have just taken it to another level. Modern so to say.

DM: Speaking of continuity, let’s go back to when you joined Sundowns in 1996. How did that journey begin?

RF: I first came to South Africa for the Four Nations Tournament with the Cameroonian National Team. That tournament was to welcome Bafana Bafana back into international football. I did well in that tournament, and that’s when the late Alex “Goldfinger” Shakoane and Natasha Tsichlas approached me. They wanted me to join Sundowns, and I was playing in Europe at the time. I told them, “If you do everything right, I’ll be happy to come back to Africa.” And that’s how it started. Africa has always been home to me.

DM: There’s a story that the Sundowns players tried to test your abilities when you first joined. Can you tell us more about that?

RF: (Laughs) Yes, that’s true. It’s normal when you join a new team. The players want to see what you can do. It wasn’t malicious; it’s just part of the game. I remember Themba Mnguni telling Joel Masilela to pass the ball to me. They gave me a strong pass, and I controlled it perfectly. They tried again, and I controlled it with precision and dribbled past one of the players, turning him inside out. I even turned back and said, “Here’s the ball.” (Laughs) Everyone was on the floor laughing. That’s how I became part of the team. When your mentality matches the team’s, it feels like a match made in heaven.

DM: You had an illustrious career, both at Sundowns and with Cameroon. If you had to pick a proudest moment from your Sundowns career, what would it be?

RF: That’s a tough one because there were so many great moments. We won the PSL three times in a row, and I was named the PSL Player of the Season in one of those title-winning seasons. We played in significant matches like the Rothmans Cup final in 1998, where I scored. Even though we didn’t win that final, the experience and the way we played still stood out to me. But honestly, I enjoyed every moment and we won a lot of trophies. Football was my job, and I approached each game with the same mentality which was to give my best.

DM: Were there any opponents who gave you a particularly tough time on the pitch?

RF: Definitely. I would say Kaizer Chiefs, and playing against them always brought out the best in us. It’s not a game you’d want every week because anything could happen. But that’s what makes football exciting. The fear of losing makes you work harder, prepare better, and fight for every ball. Those matches were always special.

DM: You earned the nickname “The General” for your ability to command the pitch. How did that nickname come about?

RF: I honestly don’t know where it started. One day, we were playing Kaizer Chiefs, and I think it was a headline in The Star that called me “The General.” The name stuck, and I believe it came from the fans and had to do with the way I played, the way I controlled the tempo, broke down opposition lines, and led from the middle of the park. I’m grateful the fans saw me in that light and saw it fitting to call me that.

DM: Your influence has been felt by the generations of players that followed you, Teko Modise, Hlompho Kekana, Tiyani Mabunda and now the likes of Themba Zwane. How does that make you feel?

RF: A player must always inspire the next generation, and I’m proud when I see that legacy continue. Teko, Hlompho, Tiyani, each have their unique style, but the essence is the same. I see bits and pieces of me in them. They understood the importance of controlling the tempo of the game, which is a crucial aspect of our Shoe Shine and Piano football. That’s what Sundowns is about, passing on the torch and making the Club’s heritage even stronger. Today when you look at Themba Zwane or Teboho Mokoena play, the understanding is the same.

DM: You played at the highest level, being named in the Cameroon national team's squads for the 1990 FIFA World Cup, the 1990 African Nations Cup, and the 1992 African Nations Cup, alongside other legends. What was that experience like for you?

RF: It was incredible. I was only 22 at the time, and to be part of the first African team to reach the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals, well, that’s something I’ll never forget. Our group included Argentina, the Soviet Union and Romania and we topped the group. We then beat Colombia in the round of 16 before taking England to extra time in the quarterfinals. It was an honor to represent my country, to be part of that, alongside some truly great players. Moments like that stay with you forever.

DM: If you hadn’t become a footballer, what other career path do you think you would have taken?

RF: (Smiles) Football is my life. I can’t imagine doing anything else. Even now, I’m still involved in the game, working with young players. But I always tell them—plan for life after football. It’s important to think about how you’ll continue to provide for your family once your playing days are over. For me, though, I’ve never left football, and I don’t think I ever will.

DM: Let’s talk about the personal side of Roger Feutmba. What kind of music do you listen to?

RF: I’m a big fan of jazz. I love the rhythm and the complexity of it. In South Africa, I enjoy listening to Ringo and Brenda Fassie. In fact, “Vulindlela” is one of my favorite songs. Brenda performed it during the Rothmans Cup final, and it added something special to that day. She was an icon in her own right.

DM: And when it comes to movies or TV shows?

RF: I watch a lot of movies, but when it comes to shows, The River is my favorite. The actor who plays Cobra (Presley Chweneyagae) is fantastic. I remember him from the movie “Tsotsi” as well. I think the movie won an Oscar. He’s a very talented actor, and I enjoy watching his performances.

DM: Do you have a favorite meal?

RF: Samp and oxtail. It’s a classic, and I love it.

DM: Lastly, you mentioned that every player must inspire the next generation. Any message you’d like to share with young dreamers out there?

RF: My message is simple: never stop dreaming, but remember, hard work is what turns dreams into reality. You have to be disciplined, patient, and determined. Football, like life, is full of challenges, but if you stay focused and work hard, anything is possible. Believe in yourself and never lose sight of your goals.

With every word, Roger Feutmba reveals the heart of a player who not only commanded the pitch with skill but understood the deeper meaning of heritage, culture, and continuity. His legacy at Sundowns lives on, and his story continues to inspire generations of footballers, both in South Africa and beyond.

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