Mamelodi Sundowns News Today: Allende not sure about Downs’ future, Mokwena to re-unite with Ribeiro? And more

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Mamelodi Sundowns News Today: Allende not sure about Downs’ future, Mokwena to re-unite with Ribeiro? And more

Latest news about Mamelodi Sundowns, in the last 24 hours, including Lucas Ribeiro’s possible reunion with Rulani Mokwena, Marcelo Allende’s uncertainty about his future, and more.

Ribeiro to re-unite with Mokwena?

Former Mamelodi Sundowns forward Lucas Ribeiro Costa is in advanced discussions over a potential move to Libyan giants Al Ittihad Tripoli, in what would set up a reunion with head coach Rulani Mokwena.

The Brazilian forward finds himself at a crossroads after his short-term contract with Spanish second-division side Cultural Leonesa came to an end following the club’s relegation from LaLiga 2.

The drop to the third tier of Spanish football has effectively brought the curtain down on his stint in Spain, opening the door for a new chapter in his career, that appeared to be heading in a positive trajectory when he directly contributed to 60 goals in 88 games for Sundowns over two seasons.

Costa’s availability on the market has attracted significant interest from clubs across Africa and the Middle East, with his pedigree and experience making him an attractive proposition as a free agent.

Kaizer Chiefs advised to sign Lucas Ribeiro Costa
Kaizer Chiefs advised to sign Lucas Ribeiro Costa. Image – Transfermarkt

Al Ittihad have tabled a lucrative contract offer for the forward, with talks described as progressing positively, however, there are concerns over the unresolved case with his former club Sundowns, where he terminated his contract, and referred the case for the FIFA Tribunal at the end of last season.

The prospect of a reunion with Mokwena is believed to be a significant factor in Costa’s deliberations. The two worked closely together at Sundowns before his exit to Wydad Athletic Club and later MC Alger.

Allende casts doubt on his Sundowns’ future

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Marcelo Allende has admitted he’s unsure of his future with the Tshwane giants, raising concerns over his place in the club’s plans for next season.

The 27-year-old star joined Sundowns in August 2022 from Montevideo City Torque in Uruguay. In his stay at Downs, Allende has won the hearts of supporters with his impressive energy to contribute both in defense and attack.

With the 2025/26 season wrapped, Allende has cast doubts on whether he will remain at Sundowns for the upcoming season. The highly-rated anchorman says he doesn’t know if he will be at the club despite being left with one year on his existing contract.

Responding to whether he’s coming back to Sundowns in an interview with Robert Marawa on MSW, Allende said, “I don’t know [if I’m coming back], I still have one year on my contract.

Ronwen Williams, Marcelo Allende and Brayan Leon of Mamelodi Sundowns
Ronwen Williams, Marcelo Allende and Brayan Leon. Photo – Sundowns

“But you never know, now is the time to enjoy the beautiful trophy. For me, it’s the most important trophy on the continent, and I want to go to my family and friends. After a month, we will see what’s going on.”

What Chiefs can do to close gap between them & Pirates, Sundowns

Kaizer Chiefs legend Marks Maponyane has suggested what it would take for the club to close the winning gap between them and rivals Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.

Maponyane has suggested that for Chiefs to close that winning gap between them and their domestic rivals, they would need to buy quality players, as he gave a stamp of approval for the club not to continue with Ben Youssef and Kaze.

“That’s where they have improved and tried to get better players, I wouldn’t say quality because quality is measured on deliverance and we obviously cannot call them quality but they really grafted and worked much better,” Maponyane said on Radio 2000’s Game On.

“We saw players make a difference and that difference did not take them over the line, it’s still not there but maybe with some good guidance, and maybe three, four quality players, that could make the difference. Arsenal are champions, they made good signings in the summer, so you will always need players who would get you over the line.

Bruce Bvuma, Wandile Duba and Mfundo Vilakazi of Kaizer Chiefs
Bruce Bvuma, Wandile Duba and Mfundo Vilakazi of Kaizer Chiefs. Photo: Kaizer Chiefs

“So they need an individual, someone who knows what’s needed and works with them. (co-coaching) never works, if you look at it, it’s not popular, that’s why you look at teams across the world and even here at home, it has never come to the results that are needed. It is always better when you say; ‘This is the man in charge’,” Maponyane concluded.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

Author

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.

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