Sundowns

Bolivia’s Erwin Saavedra (R) in action against Colombia’s Wilmar Barrios during a match for the Conmebol qualifiers for the Qatar 2022 World Cup between Bolivia and Colombia, at the Hernando Siles Stadium in La Paz, Bolivia, 02 September 2021. EPA/Javier Mamani / POOL

Mamelodi Sundowns register Bolivian star for Caf Champions League

Despite having yet to report for duty at Mamelodi Sundowns, Bolivian winger Erwin Saavedra has been registered for the Caf Champions League.

Sundowns

Bolivia’s Erwin Saavedra (R) in action against Colombia’s Wilmar Barrios during a match for the Conmebol qualifiers for the Qatar 2022 World Cup between Bolivia and Colombia, at the Hernando Siles Stadium in La Paz, Bolivia, 02 September 2021. EPA/Javier Mamani / POOL

Despite having yet to report for duty at Mamelodi Sundowns, Bolivian winger Erwin Saavedra has been registered for the Caf Champions League.

Saavedra is not set to feature in Sundowns first Caf Champions League matches due to national team duty.

Saavedra registered for Champions League

He played in Bolivia’s 3-2 defeat to Chile on Tuesday and is a prominent member of the national team squad.

“Saavedra we have signed and we have registered for the Champions League, so we have sealed that one. He’s a very good football player by the way,” Co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi told media during the launch of the Nedbank Cup.

Soccer Laduma

It was a busy transfer window for the South African champions as they not only lured the Bolivian international to Chloorkop but also secured the services of Teboho Mokoena.

Mokoena joined Sundowns from SuperSport United for an undisclosed fee while Saavedra is rumoured to have cost the club somewhere in the region of $12 million.

Read Caf Champions League news.

The Brazilians have acquired the services of Ethiopian international Abubeker Nassir. Nassir scored while on trial with Sundowns in their friendly match against Botswana club Jwaneng Galaxy. Sundowns have loaned him back to Ethiopian Coffee.

Surprise Ralani lived up to his name as a shock first signing. Sundowns also tried to sign Sipho Mbule.

Sundowns Champions League campaign

Downs will have to hit the ground running when the season restarts in the coming days as they have to play three matches in the first eight days.

After their Nedbank Cup match with Richards Bay on Friday 4 February, Sundowns face Chippa United on Monday 7 February to restart their defence of the DStv Premiership.

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Those domestic commitments precede a big match against Sudan’s Al-Hilal which opens their group stage campaign.

Sudanese clubs Al-Hilal and Al-Merrikh as well as Egyptian giants Al Ahly share a group with Downs.

Al Ahly are favourites to top the group while Sundowns will have a battle on their hands to progress. Geographically the draw could not be tougher for the pride of Tshwane. They will have to travel long distances for all their away matches while Egypt and Sudan are neighbours.

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