Bryan Aldave backs Marcelo Allende to leave Sundowns and continue his career abroad

Marcelo Allende should leave Mamelodi Sundowns when his contract expires in June 2027, according to former club player Bryan Aldave.

The Uruguayan believes the move would help the Chilean midfielder continue developing and says Sundowns will understand his decision, having experienced the challenges faced by South American players in the Premier Soccer League.

Allende has been one of Sundowns’ most consistent performers since joining the club and recently became the first player to make 100 appearances under manager Miguel Cardoso. He has reached that milestone after averaging 44 appearances across the past four seasons.

The 27-year-old has also featured in every one of Sundowns’ 20 matches this term, showing no signs of being distracted by the prospect of becoming a free agent in June 2027.

“I think he should change leagues in 2027 to continue growing in his career,” Aldave told KickOff from Uruguay, where Allende played before moving to Chloorkop.

“He has achieved a lot with Sundowns.

“And I think Sundowns will understand [when he leaves].”

Aldave, who understands the experience of South Americans adapting to football in South Africa, spent the second half of the 2007/08 season with Sundowns.

He arrived at the Tshwane club as a replacement for fellow South American Jose Torrealba. Torrealba was preparing to join Kaizer Chiefs after an acrimonious contractual dispute with Sundowns.

Aldave made five starts and 10 substitute appearances in all competitions during his brief spell, scoring five goals. He was later placed on the transfer list.

Allende’s next major international involvement is scheduled for December in Qatar, where Sundowns will compete in the FIFA Challenger Cup.

Their opponents will be the winners of the Derby of the Americas.

Sundowns’ regular season commitments have continued alongside their preparations for the international tournament, with Allende remaining involved in every match so far this campaign. His sustained availability and consistency have made him a key part of Cardoso’s side.

Aldave’s endorsement of a future departure reflects the wider adjustment South American players can face after moving to the PSL. His view is that Allende has already made a significant contribution to Sundowns and could benefit from testing himself in another league once his current agreement ends.