Marcelo Allende keeps Sundowns future under wraps as PSG dream comes into view

Marcelo Allende says he is happy at Mamelodi Sundowns but has offered no indication about his future, with his contract due to expire at the end of the season.

The Chilean midfielder was speaking after Sundowns strengthened their status among the world’s leading clubs by winning the Fifa African-Asian-Pacific Cup. They beat Al-Ahli 2-1 at Loftus Versfeld to secure the trophy and underline their position as Africa’s finest side as reigning CAF Champions League winners.

The victory was celebrated throughout the club, with coach Miguel Cardoso dedicating the achievement to the late Jayden Adams. The midfielder’s absence has been keenly felt by Sundowns, the squad and South African football, but Allende has helped the team maintain its competitiveness across several competitions.

Operating with composure and control in midfield, Allende has become a key figure in setting the pace of matches. His energy has been matched by Teboho Mokoena, giving Sundowns stability in both defensive and attacking phases.

Allende’s influence has extended beyond his performances. He has embraced local culture and helped Spanish-speaking South American team-mates by interpreting for them, earning respect from Masandawana and the wider football community.

Despite that contribution, he remains unwilling to discuss whether he will stay beyond the current campaign.

“I don’t know, but what I know is that I am so happy to be at the club,” Allende said when asked if he regarded himself as a club legend. “We are grateful to everyone as a team. We are enjoying this time. I am preparing for the next game and competition.”

Sundowns’ progress in the second round of the Fifa Intercontinental Cup has secured a place in the Challenger Cup later this year. Their opponents will be either the South American or North American champions.

A meeting with a South American team would give Allende the chance to face a club from his home continent on the global stage, an opportunity he would welcome.

“We don’t know yet which club we will play in the final,” he said. “I am really excited to (possibly) play against them. I think we’ll do well.”

Victory in the Challenger Cup would set up a historic encounter with Paris Saint-Germain in the Fifa Intercontinental Cup final in December.

Allende said the prospect of facing the French champions was already motivating the squad.

“We know that there’s an opportunity to play against PSG,” he said. “We watch them on TV. Our dream is to get there. We’ll need to fight and do what is required to achieve that dream as a collective going forward.”