Sundowns determined to keep Marcelo Allende beyond end of season

Mamelodi Sundowns will make every effort to retain Marcelo Allende, with coach Miguel Cardoso describing the Chilean midfielder as an important part of the club’s environment and identity.

Allende is entering the final season of his contract after joining Sundowns in August 2022. Unless a new agreement is reached, the 27-year-old is set to leave as a free agent at the end of the campaign.

The midfielder has established himself as a regular at Chloorkop, combining a high work-rate with the passing ability to influence how Sundowns play. He commonly covers more than 10 kilometres during a match and has remained a consistent performer since arriving at the club.

Cardoso believes Sundowns would already have secured Allende’s future if the decision rested solely with the club. However, the player is in control of his situation, leaving the South African side to wait and see whether he wants to continue beyond the current season.

“He is so consistent and he has been doing it for so many years,” Cardoso told media after Sundowns’ 1-0 victory over Golden Arrows in the Carling Knockout Cup last eight.

“We are going to do our best, I am pretty sure, to keep him with us for a long time. It’s a pleasure to see him training, it’s a pleasure to see him playing.

“He is one of the first to arrive and he is one of the last to go. He is a player who runs about 12 kilometres per match consistently. He is a player that we have the pleasure to know as a human being. He is absolutely fantastic, him and his family.”

Cardoso also highlighted Allende’s influence on his team-mates, saying players of his character help define the standards at the club.

“Players like those become part of our environment and they help to shape character and attitude,” he added. “We have many. Marcelo makes everybody around him better players, no doubt.”

Sundowns are expected to begin discussions with Allende over a contract extension that would keep him at the club beyond the end of the season.

The midfielder could, however, attract interest from elsewhere. An opportunity to play abroad, either in Europe or in North and South America, may appeal to Allende as he considers the next stage of his career.

His possible departure would represent a significant change for Sundowns, given the importance he has assumed in the side since his move to the club. For now, Cardoso and the club’s hierarchy remain hopeful that the midfielder will choose to extend his stay.