Former Mamelodi Sundowns captain Hlompho Kekana has revealed what makes Marcelo Allende such a special player.
The Chilian international was Sundowns’ latest acquisition from South America ahead of the current season.
Upon his arrival at Chloorkop, he didn’t disappoint as he hit the ground running, making a good impression
Allende has always shown consistency, hard work and leadership each time on the field. At one stage he captained Sundowns in the CAF Champions League group stage against Cameroon giants Coton Sport.
Allende was key in helping the team win their sixth successive DStv Premiership title with seven matches to spare.
The 24-year-old has been a regular for the Tshwane giants despite facing stiff competitions from other star players. So far in Sundowns colours, he has made 30 appearances in all competitions, scoring four goals and providing two assists.
WHAT EXCITES KEKANA ABOUT ALLENDE
Kekana likes Allende’s flexibility to play any position coach Rulani Mokwena deploys him.
“Marcelo Allende, I love how he can play different positions; he’s an eight, and he can play a six. As a six, he can play a 10. So in the diamond [system], he can fit in anywhere easy,” Hlompho Kekana told Mamelodi Sundowns Pitchside Podcast.
“Allende in him is class, just pure class. He’s a talented footballer, but not only talented. He’s a team player.
“What I like about him, he knows how to take himself out of the equation. We want players like that.”
FOCUS ON CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Allende is expected to be in action for Masandawana when they shift their focus to continental football on Saturday 22 April.
They will be travelling to the north to face Algeria power house CR Belouizdad FC in the quarter-final, first leg.
Kickoff at Stade Nelson Mandela is at 9pm [SA time zone].
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