Mamelodi Sundowns set to challenge Kaizer Chiefs to yet another transfer target ahead of the new season

Mamelodi Sundowns have reportedly joined the race to sign Argentinian-born Stellenbosch FC forward Junior Mendieta, who has long been linked with a move to rivals Kaizer Chiefs ahead of the new season.

Chiefs initially sounded out the early interest in Mendieta

As the end drew nearer to the end of Chiefs transfer ban, Mendieta   was touted as one of the players that were on top of the club’s transfer wishlist heading into the new season. However, it looked like he had all but ended any chance of joining Amakhosi, as he signed a contract extension at Stellenbosch last week.

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To Stellenbosch that was a signal of intent that they can keep their most prized assets at the club, with no pressure to be a “feeder” club to any of the traditional big clubs in the league, such as Chiefs and Sundowns.

Sundowns have now seemingly entered the race

However, with new information coming out, it seems as if that test may have not been passed just yet, and a Stellenbosch are set for arguably a more intense test of their resolve with regards to Mendieta’s services with Sundowns reportedly being the latest club to show a keen interest in the South American.

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Reports go as far as claiming that Sundowns co-coach Rulani Mokwena is a long-term admirer of the player and seems undeterred by the fact that Mandieta has signed a contract extension at Stellenbosch.

Despite this interest from Sundowns, it is believed that Stellenbosch are reluctant to let Mendieta go, with the 28-year old deemed indispensable to the Western Cape-based side. A source speaking to The Citizen attempts to explain the situation.

A source speaks on the Mendieta situation

“Money has never really been an issue at Sundowns but it becomes a problem when teams take advantage of that and slap us with high price tags in cases where you can see that the player does not necessarily rank in that kind of price. It has been like that with most teams whenever we approach, but we hope that we will be able to continue and conduct business and get the players we want,” revealed the source.

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Chiefs were heavily linked with Mendieta before he signed his contract extension, as it was reported that they bad tried to lure the playmaker on a pre-contract. The contract extension now means Chiefs will have to spend money if they were to convince Stellenbosch to part with the player, something the club aren’t synonymous with doing in recent times. It remains to be seen if they will still pursue his services regardless.

Sundowns on the other side aren’t known to have too many issues spending money on their preferred targets. That could place them at an advantage if a Stellenbosch were to name a price for Mendieta.