As Mamelodi Sundowns prepare for their FIFA Club World Cup opening match, there are doubts over whether they can get past their group.
Sundowns are in a tricky Group F that also has South Korea’s Ulsan HD, Borussia Dortmund of Germany and Brazilian side Fluminense and will begin their campaign against the Asian side on Wednesday.
However, one man remains confident that the Brazilians can navigate the group and make it to the Round of 16 and that is Sundowns legend Roger Feutmba, who has given reasons why he feels his ex-team is capable of pulling surprises.
“The game against the Korean side is the one which will set the tone for Sundowns at the Club World Cup. As much as we respect them, I believe we can do well. If you look at the quality of players we have, we can play at the same level with them,” Feutmba told Soccer Laduma.
How can Sundowns get out of tricky Group F?
“As for the game against Dortmund, football is unpredictable and most of Sundowns' players could be playing in Europe. They may not be at the same level as Dortmund but they can give a good fight. Our players should just play their game and don't give too much respect to their opponents and in that way, they can qualify for the Last 16,” he went on.
“With Fluminense we play almost the same kind of football. We like to play with the ball and that will be more interesting and with Brazilian players in our team it will be an open game which any team can win. I think we are in a good group which gives us the chance to qualify for the next round.”
It remains to be seen whether the quality of Sundowns can match what is on show in the United States and this will be clear on Wednesday morning.
Sundowns will open their campaign against Ulsan HD at midnight on Wednesday before taking on Dortmund on June 21 and then Fluminense four days later.
