Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has weighed in on the exit of midfielder Matias Esquivel, revealing that the player came to the club with Rulani Mokwena.
Sundowns have been making adjustments to their squad as they aim to compete for all trophies domestically and on the African continent.
The Brazilians turned themselves into a dominant force in the PSL after winning the Betway Premiership title for eight seasons in a row. But they have also been chasing the elusive CAF Champions League trophy, which they last won in 2016 under the guidance of Pitso Mosimane.
Last season, Sundowns came close to winning the Champions League after losing in the final against Egyptian side Pyramids FC.
After the conclusion of the previous season, the Tshwane giants parted ways with a handful of players, such as Sipho Mbule, Rivaldo Coetzee, Sanele Tshabalala, Sifiso Ngobeni, Lebohang Maboe, Thabang Sibanyoni, and Lucas Suarez.
Another player who has recently left the team is Esquivel, who has struggled for game time at Sundowns.
The 26-year-old attacking midfielder joined the Chloorkop-based outfit in January 2024 from Argentine outfit Club Atlético Lanús. He made 16 appearances in all competitions for Sundowns, scoring two goals and chipping in with one assist.
WHAT CARDOSOSAID ABOUT MATIAS ESQUIVEL
Esquivel has already been unveiled by a Greek side, FC Kifisa, on a season-long loan. Cardoso has shed light on the midfielder’s exit, stating that he was not in his plans.
“Matias is a player that came to Sundowns not with me but with Mr Rulani Mokwena,” Cardoso said at the MTN8 press conference.
“So he didn’t have a chance to play, and he went back to Argentina [in the first round of last season]. I have nothing to do with him coming to the club, so don’t put pressure on me regarding Esquivel.
“But Matias is a very good player, and you’ll see that he will succeed where he’s going. It’s not only me who didn’t give him the time to play, even coach Rulani.
“But also, Matias didn’t persevere to show that he wants to play, that is done by training hard because a player needs to show you at training that he’s better than the ones who are playing in his position.”
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