Arendse disputes Cardoso’s claim that Allende was overlooked for top award

Former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Tyren Arendse says Marcelo Allende may have been a deserving contender for Midfielder of the Season, but does not believe the Chilean should have won ahead of Relebohile Mofokeng or Oswin Appollis.

The debate was renewed after Allende produced another influential display in Sundowns’ 3-2 MTN8 semi-final second-leg victory over Golden Arrows. The result took Sundowns through to the final on away goals after the tie finished 3-3 on aggregate.

Allende, who is widely regarded as one of South Africa’s most under-rated midfielders, was named Man of the Match for the second successive game. His performances prompted Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso to question why the playmaker has not received greater recognition in end-of-season awards.

“For me, it’s very surprising that Marcelo is performing consistently in South Africa for so many years and still hasn’t really received an award for Midfielder of the Season, especially when we see a winger receiving that trophy,” Cardoso said in a post-match news conference.

Arendse understands why Cardoso has defended his player but believes Mofokeng’s contribution during the previous campaign made him the clear choice for the award.

“Look, he’s (Allende) a very good player; you can’t take that away from him. But if you look at last season when Pirates won the league, do you want to pick him above Rele (Mofokeng) and the season that he had? It’s impossible,” Arendse said.

Mofokeng played a key role as Orlando Pirates won the league last season, while Appollis was also considered for the individual honour. Arendse said the final decision could depend on the make-up of the judging panel, but maintained that Allende’s case was stronger for the midfield award than for the overall Player of the Season prize.

“It’s debatable, but I won’t take away from what Allende has been doing. Obviously coaches will always fight for their players, you know.

“It depends on who was on the panel that selected midfielder of the season, but I can understand what the coach is saying in terms of midfielder of the season maybe, but definitely not player of the season, that you can’t take away from Rele from last season.”

Cardoso had also suggested that the Midfielder of the Season award had gone to a winger, in reference to Appollis. Arendse rejected the idea that Appollis was an unsuitable choice simply because he is often deployed out wide.

“But Allende, I must say, he’s a very good player, and maybe he deserved it, but it’s one of those things.

“It’s a tricky thing because it’s maybe a few journalists involved, so sometimes it’s not a true reflection of who should get it. But Appollis is not a bad option (for Midfielder of the Season), even if people say he plays as a winger,” Arendse said.

Appollis has also moved into central areas during matches, according to Arendse, who represented both Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, as well as Santos.

“At times he also came inside and played in midfield. Allende is a good player, but I think it’s just the coach speaking up for one of his players,” the Cape Town-born former Pirates and Sundowns midfielder added.