The question arises: will this contraction at Sundowns negatively influence the multi-million rand transfer market in the PSL?
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Former Sundowns midfielder Roger Feutmba believes the proposed downsizing would actually benefit many teams locally and internationally.
In an exclusive interview with Soccer Laduma, Feutmba explained that while it may impact clubs that depended on selling players to Sundowns for financial gains, it could also create new opportunities for South African players to move to Europe and strengthen the national team, Bafana Bafana.
"As much as it will affect those clubs which were depending on Sundowns to buy their players and make money, it will also open up opportunities for players to move to Europe now. Yes, those transfers were sustaining some of these clubs when Sundowns bought players from them but now they have to have an open mind and sell to Europe and other clubs (around the world)," Feutmba told the Siya crew.
If they were targeting Sundowns as the suitable market that was a mistake and now they have to look outside South Africa. This will not just benefit the teams but the national team as well. Imagine if South Africa has 10 to 15 players in Europe when compared to them just sitting on the bench or in the stands at Sundowns? That would improve the national team. People should look at Sundowns cutting down their squad as a blessing and sell their players to Europe to improve the national team as well," Feutmba added.
The Brazilians legend also pointed out that a smaller squad would relieve pressure on both the coach and players by simplifying management.
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"You know most profesional clubs have less than 30 players in their squads. That's how it should be and if Sundowns have over 40 players then where does the coach give all of them a chance to play? That puts pressure on him and the unhappy players at the club who are not playing. I know every player wants to play even if he gets R1 million a month he is not happy if he is not playing. I couldn't be happy if I was that player. So, if coach Miguel Cardoso wants to cut down the squad it will help to properly manage the squad. At least 26 or 30 players, that's how it should be. It will also give a chance to use more players from the development side. Why have such a great development side but you don't promote those players because they will be competing with players like (Lucas) Ribeiro Costa? But if you spend less, have a smaller squad then you have a better chance of promoting more from your academy which is why they have the development structures after all. So, I think it's a great idea to downsize the squad at Sundowns," Feutmba concluded.
Soccer Laduma reported how the goalkeeping department could be the first that Sundowns may look at to downsize their squad.
