Mamelodi Sundowns’ Intercontinental Cup run draws Flamengo scout’s attention

Mamelodi Sundowns’ progress in the Intercontinental Cup is being followed closely in Brazil by Igor Medeiros De Melo Alves, a former Moroka Swallows midfielder who now works as a scout for Flamengo.

Sundowns have reached the Challenger Cup, the semi-final stage of the Intercontinental Cup, where they will face the winner of the Derby of the Americas.

That match will involve CONCACAF champions Toluca FC and the winners of the Copa Libertadores, South America’s premier club competition. The Libertadores semi-finals feature three Brazilian sides – SE Palmeiras, CR Flamengo and Fluminense FC – alongside Argentine club Estudiantes de La Plata.

Alves, who played for Moroka Swallows from 2008-2011, is based in Rio de Janeiro. He says his time in South Africa has maintained his interest in the country’s football.

“I lived and played in South Africa during an important time of my life, so I have a very strong connection with the country,” Alves said.

“Being someone who now works as a scout, I still follow South African football a little bit closer.

“An interesting element about Sundowns is the connection with South American players.

“Ricardo Nascimento was supposed to play with me in Poland and later, I saw him playing for Sundowns.

“Then there was Lucas Ribeiro who had a good time at the Club World Cup.

“I know Marcelo Allende, Arthur Sales, (Brayan) Muniz, so I think there is a very interesting connection between Mamelodi and South American football.”

Alves believes Sundowns still have significant room for development and says their involvement in the Intercontinental Cup could bring greater attention to South African football across the Atlantic.

“I think they are a club with potential to grow even more,” he said.

“I hope Mamelodi continues to grow and show the world the quality of South African football.

“Now that Mamelodi will play against the team from this part of the world in the semifinals of the Intercontinental Cup I think this will be a great opportunity for Mamelodi and South African football because many people here in South America will be watching.

“It will be a special moment.”

Flamengo are currently focused on their domestic campaign and their Libertadores semi-final, but Alves hopes the club can reach and win the final.

“I work for Flamengo and right now our focus is on Brazilian and the Libertadores semifinal, but our goal is to keep fighting for the league and reach the Libertadores final and win it,” he said.

“If we can achieve that goal who knows, maybe I can have the opportunity to experience something special to face a South African team in a world competition after playing and living in South Africa before and now working for Flamengo.

“That will be a very special moment for me, so I really hope Mamelodi continues growing and representing South Africa in the best possible way.

“And who knows, maybe football can make our paths cross again one day.”