Sundowns considering signing a new striker

Mamelodi Sundowns are mulling over signing a new striker with concerns over the situations of attacking talisman Peter Shalulile and Erwin Saavedra.

The Bolivia international midfielder who is capable of playing as a forward is set to undergo surgery on his knee while Shalulile has also gone under the knife, as reported in iDiski Times

While it was unclear what the diagnosis of the PSL Footballer of the Year was, MTN FC has since confirmed he went under the knife for a hernia injury, which could potentially be an extended period on the sidelines.

Sundowns were holding their cards close to their chest this past week with both Rulani Mokwena and Manqoba Mngqithi stating that he could be fit to feature against Orlando Pirates.

But after the 3-0 defeat, the latter admitted it was mind games and conceded they know how reliant they’ve become on his prolific exploits up front over the past two seasons.

With Kermit Erasmus and Pavol Šafranko, both allowed to leave after terminating their respective contracts, added to the lack of match fitness of Gift Motupa and Abubeker Nassir’s quad injury, there have been tense technical team meetings deliberating whether they should now go into the market in January.

The attacking position looked to be one area Masandawana had no issues going into the 2022/23 season, however, a saving grace could be the 2022 FIFA World Cup break, with football set to return just before the New Year – provided that Shalulile returns sooner than expected.

The Namibia international has scored 58 goals and registered 17 assists for Sundowns in 95 games since joining the club from Highlands Park in September 2020.