Chippa United attacker Ronaldo Maarman waxed lyrical about Marcelo Allende after encountering the Chilean midfielder in their match against Mamelodi Sundowns.
Allende joined Sundowns from Montevideo City Torque for a reported R50 million fee. He began the season with impressive performances, mastering his role in the central midfield of the Tshwane giants.
The Man of the Match accolade was bestowed upon him in a match against the Chilli Boys with his coach lamenting that it was imminent.
“So proud that Marcelo was named the man of the match. It is well deserved and long overdue,” Rulani Mokwena told SuperSport TV after their victory over Chippa United.
Mokwena feels that the 24-year-old makes everyone look good around him. He says he was not surprised that the midfielder was on trial at Arsenal when he was still a teenager.
RONALDO MAARMAN ON MARCELO ALLENDE
Following the clash between Bafana Ba Style and the Chilli Boys, Maarman singled out the diminutive playmaker Allende as a player who stood out for him on the day.
“Like I said it’s very hard to single out one player because of the quality,” said Maarman.
“But even last season Marcelo Allende was playing so well for them and I’m surprised that they only gave him the man of the match accolade now only.”
“He had a very good game against us with and without the ball.
“The fact that he simplifies football, his pressing is resistant and he’s consistent.
“It’s difficult to perform every game at a high level as he is doing at the moment.”
Allende has gone on to score four goals and recorded three assists in 39 games he’s played for Masandawana in all competitions since his arrival in July 2022. He has won one trophy in SA after he lifted the DStv Premiership title with Downs last season.
Story by Joshua Hendricks
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