Mamelodi Sundowns Part Ways With South American Star Amid Squad Changes

• Mamelodi Sundowns have made a tough decision to let go of one of their South American players following the arrival of Lucas Suarez from an Argentine club.
• The club needed to create space to register Suarez and Matias Esquivel, who recently returned from a loan spell at Club Atletico Tallares.
• South African football fans took to social media to criticize the club for spending money on a player who didn't deliver as expected.

In a move aimed at balancing their squad, Mamelodi Sundowns have decided to part ways with one of their South American stars to accommodate their latest signing, Lucas Suarez. The decision comes as the club aims to comply with the foreign player quota rules while ensuring their squad remains competitive in both local and continental competitions.

The January transfer window was a busy period for the Brazilians, with Suarez's signing standing out among the new arrivals. Fans and analysts alike had high expectations for the midfielder, who was seen as a key addition to the team's lineup. However, registering Suarez meant making room within the squad, leading to some difficult decisions for the club's management.

In addition to Suarez, Matias Esquivel also rejoined the team after spending six months on loan at Club Atletico Tallares in Argentina. This reunion with a familiar face created further urgency for the club to make space in their roster, prompting the release of one of their existing South American players.

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Erwin Saavedra Departs for Bolivia

Reports from iDiskiTimes confirm that Erwin Saavedra has officially left Mamelodi Sundowns, with plans to return to his former club in Bolivia. Saavedra's time at Sundowns was marred by recurring injuries, which prevented him from establishing himself as a regular starter for the team. To address these issues, the club loaned him back to Bolivia in hopes of finding a solution.

Now, Saavedra is set to rejoin Club Bolivar, the same team from which Sundowns initially signed him. His departure marks the fourth player exit for the Brazilians during this winter transfer window. Lesiba Nku moved to Stellenbosch FC, Lebo Maboe joined SuperSport United, and Thembinkosi Lorch is expected to complete a loan move to Wydad Athletic Club, where he'll reunite with former Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena.

Saavedra's exit has sparked a mix of reactions on social media. Many fans expressed disappointment, criticizing the club for what they perceive as a wasted investment in signing the Bolivian midfielder. While some acknowledged the challenges Saavedra faced due to injuries, others questioned the club's scouting and decision-making processes.

Fans React to Saavedra's Exit

The news of Saavedra's departure didn't sit well with many Sundowns supporters, who took to social media to voice their opinions. Here’s a sampling of the reactions:

Ndlombango ka Tomase commented:

"How many times did he even play for Downs? 🤣🤣🤣 Sundowns is confused."

Oudip chimed in:

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"Another R50m going down the drain. Sundowns fans expect other teams to be run like a spaza shop, squandering money every season. Esquivel also came and left with over R100m back to Argentina."

MndayiBukho offered a different perspective:

"If you know football, you can't blame Sundowns' scouting department for spotting a player. If the player doesn't deliver, it's not their fault. Think about Dembele at Barcelona, Hazard at Madrid, or Grealish at City—flops all around. I won't even mention local examples because wow."

Thabelo Kenildinho Mudau added:

"The way they spend money on useless players is surprising. It's like handing the chequebook to a drunk nephew in the family."

Ech_carnly summarized the sentiment:

"I don't think he even provided an assist. He was there just to escalate the money spent."

Thembinkosi Lorch Faces Criticism From Sundowns Fans

Meanwhile, Thembinkosi Lorch, another player departing the club, has faced backlash from Sundowns fans after wishing former coach Rulani Mokwena a happy birthday. The former Bafana Bafana star shared a heartfelt message along with a photo of the two during their time at Orlando Pirates. This gesture did not go over well with Sundowns supporters, who felt it was inappropriate given Mokwena's current role at a rival club.

This incident highlights the intense loyalty and passion that Sundowns fans bring to their support of the team. While players often move between clubs, fans tend to view such actions through the lens of loyalty to their beloved Brazilians. As the transfer window continues, fans will undoubtedly keep a close eye on the club's moves, hoping for decisions that align with their expectations and aspirations for the team's future success.