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.
