Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Matthew Booth has weighed in on the possible acquisition of Stellenbosch FC playmaker Junior Mendieta by the Tshwane giants.
In the just-ended season, Masandawana ran away with the DStv Premiership title with seven games to spare. Many believe it speaks of them having arguably the best squad in the league.
However, they still want to reinforce their team even more. The reports about the Argentinian being on the former African champions’ radar emerged last week.
According to SABC Sport, the two clubs have already opened the transfer talks, with Sundowns believed to have made Mendieta their top target for the window. But as things stand it is understood the clubs are yet to reach any agreement.
Booth says Mendieta would leave an immense void in the Western Cape-based side. On the other hand, he believes the 29-year-old midfielder would be of help to Sundowns in the CAF Champions League.
MATTHEW BOOTH WEIGHS IN ON JUNIOR MENDIETA’S POTENTIAL MOVE TO MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
“It will be a huge loss for Stellenbosch, he has been their kingpin in the midfield,” Booth told FARPost.
“Dropping off from a number nine position, quite deep, he is able to play high up the field. He has lots of box entries, you know, a very clever player, and he has been a fantastic player to watch over the last couple of seasons.
“I think he deserves a move to the likes of Sundowns. With the talk of Kapinga being off-loaded, perhaps Stellenbosch will look at that sort of deal with him going there. The number of eights and tens at Sundowns is quite remarkable.”
The former Ajax Cape Town man hopes that Mendieta does not get lost amongst the huge amount of midfielders that Sundowns have recruited previously as most of them can play in similar positions.
“I hope he doesn’t get lost in the crowd there because we still wanna see him play,” he continued.
“He definitely has the ability to get a starting berth at Sundowns, and I think he will offer something different to what some of the eights or tens at Sundowns offer.
“His range of passing is great, he is very good in tight spaces like most of the players at Sundowns are. So yes, it’s interesting times, and he will definitely add value.”
Story by Joshua Hendricks
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