Latest Mamelodi Sundowns news in the last 24 hours, including Marcelo Allende discussing his Masandawana future, Thapelo Morena delighted after Bafana Bafana return, and more.

Allende opens up about Sundowns’ future

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Marcelo Allende on what to expect when they face Al-Ahli Saudi in the FIFA Continental Cup on Saturday.

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Marcelo Allende on what to expect when they face Al-Ahli Saudi in the FIFA Continental Cup on Saturday. The Chilean international also reiterated that this would be his final year at the club and vowed to give it his all.

📹 #SABCSport's… pic.twitter.com/LDAY7VPJnS
— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) September 18, 2026

The Chilean international also reiterated that this would be his final year at the club and vowed to give it his all.

The 26-year-old, who has been a key figure for the Brazilians since arriving in 2022, was candid about his situation while emphasising his professionalism and commitment to the cause.

Thapelo Morena and Marcelo Allende of Mamelodi Sundowns, Image: Sundowns

“I think I’m very professional. I have my last year here for now, and I will try to do my best in the final year, and I will do, as always, anything I do in the future, now, in the present, and my family gave me this idea, and I will respect all of them,” Allende observed.

Morena reacts to his recall to Bafana Bafana

Mamelodi Sundowns wing-back Thapelo Morena says he’s focused and looking forward to the future after his recall to the South Africa national team set-up.

The 33-year-old was named in new head coach Pitso Mosimane’s first squad selection on Thursday, as part of the 30-player selection for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers and an international friendly against continental giants, Egypt.

"There was a lot of things, injuries, but being back in the squad is one of the best things to be… the big thing I have learnt and took from [missing the World Cup & AFCON] is accepting what happened and focusing on the future."

Mamelodi Sundowns wing-back Thapelo Morena says… pic.twitter.com/Sx60A2Zx9p
— iDiski Times (@iDiskiTimes) September 18, 2026

Having missed out on the 2025 AFCON and the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to injury, Morena could not hide his delight that he was included in the plans of Mosimane, which was potentially fast-tracked due to the serious injury of his club teammate Khuliso Mudau.

“Yeah, it’s a great feeling seeing my name on the list, I think it’s one of those, when a soccer player plays football, seeing his name in the national team squad, despite having been there before, but knowing there are changes [in the team],” Morena said.

Denis Onyango and Thapelo Morena of Mamelodi Sundowns. Image: Sundowns

“There were a lot of things, injuries, but being back in the squad is one of the best things to be… the big thing I have learnt and took from [missing the World Cup and AFCON] is accepting what happened and focusing on the future.

“You don’t know what the future holds for you, and I’m trying to do things a bit differently in the gym, see what went wrong and what I can fix in terms of situations that I had. Some were not hamstring injuries, like the World Cup, it was bad, but I accepted it and let go… to focus on the future.”

Basadien delighted after return to Bafana

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Fawaaz Basadien has opened up about his return to Bafana Bafana after a lengthy absence.

The left-back previously earned several call-ups during his time at Stellenbosch, where he was a regular starter. However, following his move to the Brazilians, limited playing opportunities made it difficult for him to retain his place in the national team.

"It was a dream to play for the national team. It’s a good recognition for me to say that I’m doing well but I also need to keep pushing and not stop."

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Fawaaz Basadien has opened up about his return to Bafana Bafana after a lengthy absence.… pic.twitter.com/FFa9xqiyUc
— iDiski Times (@iDiskiTimes) September 18, 2026

As a result, Basadien missed out on previous Africa Cup of Nations and FIFA World Cup tournaments.

“Yeah, I’ve missed quite a few call-ups in the past but being there again means so much for me,” said Basadien on MSW.

“It’s something that I always strive towards by getting good performances at my team as well. That gives me recognition to play for the national team.

Fawaaz Basadien and Themba Zwane in training at Mamelodi Sundowns.

“Like I’ve always said before, it was a dream to play for the national team. It’s a good recognition for me to say that I’m doing well but I also need to keep pushing and not stop.”