Mamelodi Sundowns’ Erwin Saavedra Touches Down in South Africa, Brazilian Fans Give Midfielder a Warm Welcome

• Mamelodi Sundowns' new signing, highly-rated winger Erwin Saavedra, arrived in South Africa last night
• Erwin Saavedra was given a warm, truly South African, welcome by some of Sundowns' loyal supporters
• Bolivia's Erwin Saavedra signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with Masandawana which will see him play for Sundowns until the end of the 2023/24 season

Mamelodi Sundowns fans know how to welcome new players to the team and the country.

A group of supporters gathered on Tuesday evening, February 8, at OR Tambo International Airport to officially welcome Bolivia’s Erwin Saavedra to the country.

Saavedra signed from Club Bolivar for $800 000, which equates to aroubd R12.2 million, Soccer Laduma reported.

In a video shared to the club’s Twitter account, the supporters can be seen giving the winger a special welcome in true South African style.

The winger signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Brazilians which will see him play for the club until the end of the 2023/24 season. Sundowns also have an option to extend his deal by a further two years after that, if they wish to do so, Kick-Off reported.

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In a recent interview after his signing, Saavedra explained that he was at the age where he wanted to go abroad and grow as a footballer. He mentioned that the move will force him to learn how to speak English too.

Saavedra is currently valued at €1 million but he’s not the highest valued player in the squad. Andile Jali and Aubrey Modiba are valued at the same price. Thapelo Morena and Teboho Mokoena are valued at €1,3 million, Themba Zwane is valued at €1,5 million and Peter Shalulile tops the list valued at €1,7 million, according to Transfer Market.

Mamelodi Sundowns are running away with the league, Neil Tovey and football fans agree that the title race is over

Mamelodi Sundowns are leading the race for the DStv Premiership title and former Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs player, Neil Tovey, thinks that the Brazilians have already wrapped up the title with 10 games to go.

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Mamelodi Sundowns still have 10 games to play in the competition but hold a massive lead over second-placed Orlando Pirates, as they lead the Buccaneers by 17 points, Sports Brief earlier reported.

Tovey also previously won the Premier Soccer League with Sundowns when he served as a co-coach during the 2005/2006 season. He made his comments before Sundowns played Chippa United last night. Sundowns won the match 2-0 to extend their lead to 17 points.