Marcelo Allende pledges full commitment in final Mamelodi Sundowns season

Marcelo Allende says he will remain fully committed to Mamelodi Sundowns despite indicating that the current campaign is likely to be his last with the club.

The Chilean midfielder joined the Tshwane side in 2022 and has established himself as one of their most influential players. He has helped Sundowns win three domestic titles and the CAF Champions League earlier this year.

Allende has increasingly suggested he could continue his career elsewhere next season, but he insists that will not affect his approach during the remaining months of his time at Chloorkop.

“I think I’m very professional, I have my last year here for now and I always try to do my best until the final [day] and I always will do always. What I do in the future and now in the present, my family gave me this idea and I will respect them always, in every way,” Allende said.

The 27-year-old has also been a model of consistency for Mamelodi Sundowns, although he plays down the significance of his own performances and instead points to the standards expected of the squad.

“I always tell my boys to always try to respect the badge, I think that’s very important. We have such good quality players, so when you play you give it your best,” he added.

Allende’s immediate attention is on Saturday afternoon’s FIFA Continental Cup meeting with Al-Ahli Saudi at Loftus Stadium.

He believes Sundowns have had adequate preparation for the match after reviewing their opponents and working through their plans.

“An important game, a big one, we had a good time to prepare, we watched the video so I think we are ready for tomorrow and I think it’s gonna be a very nice game.”