Abubeker Nasir: Doubt Surrounds Forward’s Mamelodi Sundowns Future After Rulani Mokwena’s Comments

• Abubeker Nasir could be on the verge of leaving Mamelodi Sundowns
• The forward was injured in a PSL game against Pirates in December 2022
• Coach Rulani Mokwena said the club will make an announcement soon

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach, Rulani Mokwena, has dropped hints suggesting that forward Abubeker Nasir may be on the verge of leaving.

Nasir, who hails from Ethiopia, was absent during Sundowns' 1-1 draw in the DSTv Premiership against Orlando Pirates at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday, February 17.

The forward joined the Brazilians from Ethiopian club Coffee SC in 2022, arriving with high hopes, having scored an impressive 29 goals in the 2021/22 season.

Before joining Sundowns, he was recognized as the Best Young Player and Most Valuable Player in the Ethiopian Premier League.

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Despite showing glimpses of his talent, Nasir's time at Sundowns has been plagued by persistent injuries. He has made only 18 appearances in all competitions, finding the net four times.

Even his coveted number nine jersey has been assigned to the club's new recruit, Argentine Matias Esquivel, who joined from Club Atletico Lanus, as reported by Goal.

The influx of foreign players at the club has raised eyebrows, with regulations stipulating that no more than five foreign players can be registered at any time. This has led to speculation that Nasir might be the one to make way for Esquivel, although official confirmation is pending.

Addressing Nasir's injury concerns, Mokwena expressed worry about the severity of the situation. He described the player's injury sustained during a PSL clash against Orlando Pirates in December 2022 as complicated, indicating that the player is struggling to recover.

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“I think with Nasir, the club will make an announcement, but Nasir has a difficult and complicated injury. He hasn’t recovered, and he’s struggling to recover, which is unfortunate because when you use the term career-threatening, that type of situation is really career-threatening," explained Mokwena, as quoted by Far Post.

The uncertainty surrounding Nasir's future is crucial for Sundowns as they prepare for their Nedbank Cup Last 32 clash against NB La Masia. The Tshwane-based club will be looking to put aside off-field distractions and focus on advancing in the tournament.

Rulani Mokwena Unhappy with draw against Pirates

Sports Brief reported that Mamelodi Sundowns boss, Rulani Mokwena, expressed frustration after the draw against 10-man Orlando Pirates.

Despite leading courtesy of Marcelo Allende's goal, the Buccaneers quickly equalized from the penalty spot through Thapelo Xoki.

This result maintained Sundowns' lead at the top of the DStv Premiership table, with 39 points from 15 games.