Mamelodi Sundowns-bound Jhegson Mendez eyes Ecuador league and cup double

Jhegson Mendez will leave Ecuador as a champion before beginning his move to Mamelodi Sundowns, with the midfielder now preparing for a Copa Ecuador final that could complete a domestic double.

The 29-year-old’s club, Independiente del Valle, were crowned champions of Ecuador on Sunday. They will face Universidad Catolica in the final of the 2026 Copa Ecuador on 2 December.

Mendez is expected to play his final match for Independiente del Valle on 13 December before moving to South Africa in January. He is set to join Mamelodi Sundowns on a free transfer when his contract in Ecuador comes to an end.

The Ecuadorian has agreed what is essentially a two-and-a-half-year contract with an option to extend it by a further year. The move remains subject to him passing a medical examination after arriving in South Africa.

Mamelodi Sundowns are expected to announce Mendez’s signing once the medical has been completed successfully.

The midfielder arrives with experience of playing in Brazil, the United States and Spain, as well as a record of winning trophies. His latest success with Independiente del Valle means he will join the South African club having already added domestic silverware to his list of achievements.

There is, however, uncertainty over his international future. It remains unclear whether Ecuador will continue to select Mendez once he is playing in the Premier Soccer League, particularly with the national side currently 24th in the FIFA rankings.

South American players have traditionally attached little importance to the PSL, which could make regular international selection less certain for Mendez after his move to Mamelodi Sundowns.