Mamelodi SUndowns coach Pitso Mosimane (left) poses with new signing Mauricio Affonso. Photo: @Masandawana / Twitter
Mamelodi Sundowns: Uruguayan striker Mauricio Affonso confirmed as Brazilians first signing
Mamelosi Sundowns confirmed their first signing ahead of the 2019/20 season, unveiling striker Mauricio Affonso.
Mamelodi SUndowns coach Pitso Mosimane (left) poses with new signing Mauricio Affonso. Photo: @Masandawana / Twitter
Nine-time PSL winners Mamelodi Sundowns have broken what’s been a deafening silence in the transfer window by unveiling a new signing in Uruguayan striker Mauricio Affonso.
The Brazilians have not been as active as some of their rivals in the market, neither welcoming new arrivals or confirming exits, despite being linked with a number of players.
On Wednesday, they showed the first telling sign of movement in the boardroom by announcing the arrival of the 27-year-old, who joins from Peruvian outfit Alianza Lima.
“The player caught up with coach Mosimane today as he signed his new contract and joined his teammates at their Mbombela camp as the mentor takes his charges through their paces for the forthcoming campaign,” the club announced in its website.
“The new season kicks off early next month and Sundowns fans will be hoping to see just what their new forward can do under the watchful eye of coach Mosimane, who has guided the Brazilians to four league titles since his arrival in December 2012. Sundowns are also returning the CAF Champions League.”
Mamelodi Sundowns
Mauricio Affonso adds to Sundowns’ South American connection
The lanky striker, who stands at 1.92m, joins countryman Gaston Sirino at the club, and takes the South American contingent to six, alongside Brazil’s Ricardo Nascimento, Jose Ali Meza from Venezuela and Emiliano Tade, who hails from Argentina.
The newest recruit made 16 appearances in all competitions for his previous club, finding the net four times.
He has played for five clubs in different South American countries, has had a stint in Saudi Arabia, where he turned out for Al-Shabab.
Competition for spots bound to heat up
He will fight with the likes of Meza, Tade and Jeremy Brockie for a starting spot upfront.
However, both Brockie and Meza have been linked with a Sundowns exit, having struggled to break into the starting team in the previous season, and are just two of a handful of players who chowed serious bench throughout the campaign.
The likes of George Lebese, Andile Jali, Oupa Manyisa and Aubrey Ngoma have also been linked with a move away.
Affonso’s unveiling comes just hours after rivals Orlando Pirates made a big announcement of their own, revealing the signing of 24-year-old Zambian winger Austin Muwowo.
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