Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Siphiwe Mkhonza has weighed in on transfer speculation linking Junior Mendieta with a move away from Stellenbosch and what he needs to consider before joining a big club.
Mendieta is reportedly on the wanted list of the big clubs in the DStv Premiership, with SABC Sport recently reporting that Mamelodi Sundowns are leading the race for his signature.
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When asked if Kaizer Chiefs would consider signing Mendieta in April this year, Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr said publicly that the Argentine fits the profile of a Chiefs player and described him as a "top talent".
Mkhonza says Mendieta can fit in well at Sundowns, in their "piano and shoeshine culture" given that he has the "South American arrogance".
"If you look at stats of Mendieta at Stellenbosch, very great stats. I mean eight assists, he's leading PSL midfielders with stats," Mkhonza, who was backed by stats from Opta Jabu, said on Metro FM Sports.
"Any coach would want an attacking midfielder that at least a season would score eight to 10 goals.
"He'll (fit in) at Sundowns, he's got the arrogance and special ability that you need at Sundowns. Not any midfielder can play at Sundowns within that shoe-shine and piano culture," he said.
"So, Mendieta brings that South American arrogance and I think he can fit in at Sundowns."
'Dr Mnandi' was also asked if he sees the Stellies number 10 fitting in at Chiefs.
The former Amakhosi centre-back suggested that the Glamour Boys actually need Mendieta the most, as they have been playing without a playmaker.
"He can fit nicely at Chiefs (as well), if you look holistically from the midfield point of view, they don't have a creative midfielder," Mkhonza said.
"They have been playing without a playmaker and you can't play without a playmaker because he's the one who links and manipulates lines.
"I think he'll fit, obviously we don't know the coach's (preference) because sometimes players make those moves to the other teams, without having conversations with the coach, (to say), 'How do you want me and how do you want me to play the role you want me to play?'" he went on.
"And these are things you have to consider before making the move. Because you can run to Sundowns and when you arrive there, the coach has not signed you, you were signed by management, you end up in the stands like us," he added.
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According to Opta Jabu (not affiliated to Opta but providing reliable PSL stats), Mendieta was involved in 19 goals for Stellenbosch this past season, with 10 goals and nine assists.
Mendieta also missed three penalties in the 2022/23 season, more than any other player in the PSL, which could have made him the leading goal-scorer, if he had scored all his penalties, as per Opta Jabu.
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