Revered legend on why Sundowns must sacrifice Nasir

With Mamelodi Sundowns expecting the arrival of Argentine midfielder Matias Esquivel, legend Roger Feutmba says the club must sacrifice Abubeker Nasir.

The revered legendary midfielder says Nasir is injury prone and the reigning DStv Premiership champions cannot afford to keep him.

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Per PSL rules, clubs cannot have more than five foreign players contracted with it at any point in time and this means one foreign payer will be shipped out.

As things stand, Sundowns have Marcelo Allende, Lucas Ribeiro, Abdelmounaim Boutouil, Junior Mendieta, and Nasir.  

Speaking to SowetanLIVE, the legend Feutmba says coach Rulani Mokwena must make space for the incoming Esquivel by letting Nasir go elsewhere.

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REVERED LEGEND ON WHY SUNDOWNS MUST SACRIFICE NASIR

The legend’s sentiment comes as speculation is rife that Masandawana could release Mendieta back to Stellenbosch on loan to ease their foreign quota.

“I think the Ethiopian [Nasir] is the one who will create a way for the new guy [Esquivel]. He’s been troubled by injuries and that counts against him,” said the legend Feutmba.

“He’s a quality player but I think a club like Sundowns wouldn’t keep a player who’s injury-prone at the expense of registering another top quality international player.”

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The 23-year-old Nasir moved to Chloorkop back in 2022 from Ethiopian side Ethiopian Coffee and has recently returned from a severe ankle injury.

MOKWENA ON NASIR’S FUTURE AT SUNDOWNS

In a recent post, The South African reported that coach Mokwena was happy with the attacker’s return from a lengthy injury.

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He said Nasir is a top talent and was hoping he could regain his form considering the imminent arrival of his family in Mzansi.

“Top talent and we’ll reap the rewards later at Sundowns but we need to be a bit patient,” said Mokwena in December.

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“He’s young, he’s 23, it’s a very good age, and he has all the weapons, he scores goals, he’s got speed, he dribbles and when you those three big weapons as an attacking player, you’ve got incredible weapons and hopefully he shows that potential.”