CONFIRMED: Sundowns part ways with international striker
Sundowns have confirmed the departure of an international striker amidst the arrival of other ‘foreign’ players.
Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday unveiled Marcelo Allende as their newest signing, and their fifth in the current transfer window, and immediately included him on the bench against Stellenbosch FC.
LATEST: TOP EGYPT PUNDIT LINKS PERCY TAU TO ‘BIG’ SA CLUB
With Sundowns needing to carefully balance their books in terms of the ‘foreign player’ quote, Slovakian striker Pavol Safranko has now officially left the club.
Sundowns released the following statement:
The 27-year-old lanky striker joined Sundowns last season from Romanian Liga 1 side Sepsi OSK and made a total of 29 appearances and scored 9 goals for Masandwana.
One of the key goals that Pavol scored was the winner against Royal AM to ensure that Sundowns progressed to the final of the Nedbank Cup.
Pavol, who has been a consummate professional throughout his stay at Sundowns is free to join the club of his choice and the Sundowns family wishes him all of the best with his footballing endeavours.
The arrival of Boutouil and Allende were initially hindered by visa and work permit application issues, but Sundowns were working hard to have both players registered.
According to iDiski Times, Boutouil – who spent last season on loan at Raja Atheltic Club – has cleared up the necessary paperwork and is also now able to link up with Sundowns.
WIN | ANSWER THESE 5 SOCCER QUESTIONS AND YOU COULD WIN R1 000
The previous Sundowns signing to be officially unveiled is Bongani Zungu who marks his return to Chloorkop after leaving the club in 2016 to play internationally.
However, he won’t be rushed back into action considering that he last played in April for French club Amiens SC.
“He is still a little bit far [from playing] considering he was not part of the preseason training and he still has a bit of work to do because he has not been playing for the longest of time,” Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi said after Sundowns’ 1-1 DStv Premiership draw with Sekhukhune United in Polokwane, as quoted by TimesLive.
“But we are hoping it will be shorter than two months because he is a very disciplined boy, who works very hard. He is showing interest to really come and assist the team.
“So we are looking forward to the progress that he will make in the next three to four weeks, and optimistic he is going to come in and help us.”
So although it may be a while before Sundowns fans get to see Zungu in action, there is more positive news on the injury status of new Ethiopian signing Abubeker Nasir.
“He sprained his ankle in the game against Kaizer Chiefs, he should be back probably in the next week or two,” Mngqithi commented.