While they may not be actively looking for it, the Siya crew has been led to believe that Mamelodi Sundowns are open to loaning out striker-cum-winger Abubeker Nasir to guarantee the Ethiopian regular game-time.
Nasir announced his arrival at Chloorkop in fine fashion last season, coming off the bench to score in the 4-0 drubbing of Kaizer Chiefs at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in only the second game of the campaign. The hype around his signing appeared to be validated with that performance and a few more cameo displays that followed. But the forward then suffered an injury setback that kept him out for the better part of the 2022/23 campaign, which ended with Sundowns defending the title.
And with Cassius Mailula stepping up at a time when both Nasir and leading marksman Peter Shalulile were injured, it meant the Ethiopian international was further behind in the pecking order then. Nasir made a comeback prior to New Year's Eve. However, after a collision with Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane, he was rushed to hospital and had to spend a few more months on the mend. Downs have beefed up their attack with Brazilian striker Lucas Costa, meaning coach Rhulani Mokwena has even more options.
Soccer Laduma has been informed the club won't go out of their way to try find Nasir a loan move because the player is in their plans in both the short-and long-term, but should an offer present itself, Downs could consider.
Would you have liked to see Nasir given an opportunity in the Sundowns first team? Share your views in the comments section!
