adminTHE ridiculously star-studded Mamelodi Sundowns are set to get even stronger in the coming weeks.
The Brazilians are preparing to welcome their new signing Bongani Zungu and Bolivian midfield maestro, Erwin Saavedra, back from injury.
Zungu recently rejoined his former team after leaving Amiens SC in France, and has been working on regaining match fitness.
Saavedra, on the other hand, is making his way back from an injury that hampered his start to life at Downs. The 26-year- old moved to the Brazilians earlier this year and experienced a frustrating first few months in Mzansi.
Saavedra was limited to just three appearances in all competitions for Downs last season, thanks to injury.
The pair of Saavedra and Zungu is now inching closer to a return to the pitch, giving the technical team of Manqoba Mngithi, Rhulani Mokwena and Steve Komphela even more options.
Mokwena recently revealed that they are looking forward to having Zungu and Saavedra in the team to improve the standard even more.
“Bongs (Zungu) is coming alright. He missed pre-season, which is a bit difficult,” said Mokwena. But he’s been participating in friendly matches. He has played some minutes without any discomfort.
“We have told the fitness trainers that he can play more minutes. But we are very conservative with him because we know what he can do, and we will continue to work in that space to try and get him ready, like many of the other players.
Saavedra, meanwhile, has been watching fellow newcomers Marcelo Allende and Abubeker Nassir settle seamlessly into the Downs team.
The pair has made a bright start to their Downs’ careers, scoring two goals each so far, and grabbing the headlines in the early stages of the campaign.
Saavedra, in contrast, is yet to make a solid contribution and will be desperate to make his presence felt. The availability of Saavedra and Zungu soon will undoubtedly give the coaching trio of Mokwena, Mnggithi and Komphela a welcome headache.
They already have the likes of Gaston Sirino, Sipho Mbule, Neo Maema, Siphelele Mkhulise, Andile Jali, Themba Zwane, and Teboho Mokoena battling it out for places in midfield. It will be interesting to see who the three wise men decide to entrust once everyone is fully fit and ready to compete on the field. – Dailysun.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter