Downs’ stumbling block in striker search

Mamelodi Sundowns are understood to be keen on adding a striker to their squad in January, but insiders at the club say that there are a few stumbling blocks.

Head coach Rhulani Mokwena confirmed last week that their goto-man for goals, in Peter Shalulile, has had to undergo surgery, but could not give an accurate return date when probed by the media.

As a result of the Namibian international being sidelined indefinitely, and Abubaker Nasir, another forward registered at the beginning of the campaign, also injured, the Brazilians are keen to find an alternative in the coming transfer window.

Siya sources have been led to believe that Downs are yet to identify any targets locally that could fit the profile of a striker the club is looking for – goals, style and the to consider searching abroad.

But the challenge with looking beyond the Mzansi borders is that Sundowns would yet again have to offload a foreigner to make way for any other international player that joins them, should they go that route.

As things stand, all five spots allocated to foreign players have been filled and that limits Downs from exploring that route… for now.

However, in the past, the technical team has made a bold decision make provision, like they did when they allowed veteran defender Ricardo Nascimento to depart halfway through the season so that they could register Erwin Saavedra.

The club could be forced to do the same in the event that they sign a striker in the coming months.