Erwin Saavedra’s Costly Three-Year Spell at Mamelodi Sundowns
The three years Erwin Saavedra has spent at Mamelodi Sundowns have been far from the success story the club anticipated when they secured his signature from Bolivian club Bolivar. Signed for a reported fee of USD 800,000 (approximately R14.8 million), Saavedra’s time at Sundowns has been marred by injuries and limited game time, resulting in a poor return on investment for the club.
Saavedra joined Sundowns in January 2022 amid much excitement. At the time, the Bolivian international had earned 18 caps for his country, and his reputation as a versatile midfielder suggested he would be a valuable addition to the squad. However, his career at Chloorkop has been plagued by persistent injuries, limiting his appearances and contributions to the team.
A Career Hampered by Injuries
Since arriving in South Africa, Saavedra has only managed 454 minutes of game time in a Sundowns jersey. His first stint, which spanned two years, saw him feature in just 10 matches, clocking 265 minutes. After battling injuries throughout his initial spell, he was loaned back to Bolivar at the beginning of 2023, raising questions about his long-term future with the Tshwane giants.
Upon his return to Sundowns at the start of the 2023/24 season, hopes were high that Saavedra could finally deliver. Unfortunately, he has only featured in three matches this season. These include 84 minutes against Mbabane Swallows in the CAF Champions League, 72 minutes against Maniema Union, and 33 minutes in a league match against Polokwane City.
An Expensive Gamble
Saavedra’s hefty transfer fee and salary package have yet to yield the desired results for Sundowns. Signed on a long-term deal, his limited contributions stand in stark contrast to the significant financial outlay made by the club. Despite winning silverware during his time with Sundowns, his role in those triumphs has been negligible.
What’s Next for Saavedra?
Sundowns have reportedly been exploring options to offload Saavedra permanently. However, no official decision has been made regarding his future, with speculation suggesting a possible return to Bolivar. Notably, Saavedra is no longer registered as one of Sundowns’ five foreign players, further indicating that the club may be preparing to part ways with him.
A Lesson for Sundowns
The Saavedra saga serves as a cautionary tale for Sundowns and other clubs when investing heavily in foreign players. While injuries are unpredictable, the lack of return on investment highlights the risks associated with signing players who may struggle to adapt to new environments or face recurring fitness issues.
As Saavedra turns 29 this month, both he and Sundowns will be hoping for clarity on his future, with a resolution likely to come sooner rather than later. For now, his time at Chloorkop remains a costly chapter for the club.
