Mamelodi Sundowns Set to Run Down Marcelo Allende’s Contract with Eye on Localization

Mamelodi Sundowns appear set to allow Chilean midfielder Marcelo Allende to run down the remainder of his contract, a strategic move that could see him become eligible for the localization route in South African football. By the time his current deal expires, Allende will have completed five years with the club, making him eligible to apply for permanent residence and thus no longer count as a foreign player on the team sheet.

This development significantly strengthens Allende’s future at Chloorkop, especially with foreign player quotas often a pressing issue for PSL teams. Once localized, he will no longer occupy a foreign spot in the squad, securing his place for the upcoming season.

Allende’s position in the team is as solid as that of Arthur Sales, while the likes of Lucas Ribeiro Costa are attracting transfer interest and could potentially be on the move. Meanwhile, Lucas Suarez has already returned to his parent club in Argentina, and the future of fellow Argentine Matias Esquivel remains uncertain despite him being under contract.

Back in his homeland, Allende has recently found himself in the headlines amid talks of a potential return to the Chilean national team. Speaking to Chilean publication Redgol Futbol, Allende confirmed that Sundowns had triggered the option to extend his stay.

“The club exercised the option to renew my contract, and I remain a Mamelodi player. Now it’s time to rest during the holidays, and we’ll see what happens,” he said.

Allende joined Sundowns in a high-profile move from Montevideo City Torque in Uruguay for a reported R51 million. His original deal was a three-year contract with an additional two-year option—which the club has now exercised.

The diminutive playmaker made an immediate impact in his debut season, scoring twice in his first two appearances and going on to feature in 33 matches, helping the club clinch the league title. His influence grew in the second season, playing 44 games and adding both the domestic league and African Football League medals to his name.

Last season, Allende’s contribution was immense. He featured in 49 matches, including three full 90-minute appearances at the FIFA Club World Cup, underlining his importance in both domestic and international competitions.

With his localization status on the horizon, Allende’s value to Mamelodi Sundowns is poised to increase even further, potentially freeing up a vital foreign player slot while retaining a proven and reliable midfielder.