Marcelo Allende embraces after Sundowns dethroned by Pirates

The Chile international has been part of a title-winning Sundowns squad since arriving in July 2022 but finds himself in unfamiliar territory after The Brazilians were dethroned by Orlando Pirates in the Betway Premiership last season.

Allende believes all eyes are now on Sundowns to see how they respond to losing their crown, with the pressure on the Tshwane giants to reclaim the title.

"We are a big [club] and always when you play for a big club you play with this type of pressure. We have a lot of competition this season, it's very important for everyone and we want to take every day game by game and try to give the best to the club," Allende said.

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Allende is also at a crossroad suggesting this was his “last year” at the club but still willing to give his best at all cost.

"Yes, 100 percent focusing on my last year here in the club. I'm really focused from everywhere. If I need to play I will always give my 100%. If not, I also support my team because I think the most important thing is the result and bringing good things to the club," he added.

The 27-year-old is also confident that the new signings – Antonio van Wyk, Siyanda Ndlovu and the returning Cassius Mailula – will give them an added advantage.  

Allende has had to be the key figure in the midfield following the death of Jayden Adams and an early injury to Teboho Mokoena.

"Tough start for us because we lost our key player in the last part of the season and now with Tebza missing the two games but I think we have the players and the quality to cover that space."