Mamelodi Sundowns' off-season transfer window signing Junior Leandro Mendieta has been encouraged to make the most of the opportunity that he has been presented with.
Mendieta has moved to Sundowns after 19 goal contributions (10 goals and nine assists) in 31 appearances last season at Stellenbosch.
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The 30-year-old has spent three years in the Cape Winelands but the power of money from Sundowns has left him with no choice but to pack up and head up to Chloorkop where he has signed a three-year deal.
This is the biggest contract that Mendieta has ever had in his career that has seen him play for Deportivo Moron, Atletico Lanus, Atletico Los Andes, and Atletico de Rafaela (all in Argentina).
Mendieta is the fifth South American at Sundowns after Gaston Sirino (Uruguay), Marcelo Allende (Chile), Erwin Saavedra (Bolivia), and Lucas Ribeiro Costa (Brazil).
"It is natural that whenever there is an Argentine here in the PSL I take interest because I want guys from my country to succeed and win trophies," says Nick Gindre.
Gindre is an Argentine goalkeeper who played in the PSL for AmaZulu and Mpumalanga Black Aces after arriving from England where he featured in the lower division for several clubs amongst them Wimbledon.
"It is normal that you would want to look out for your home country, and it is good to see Argentine footballers here in South Africa.
"He has now gone to South Africa where the demands to perform are higher.
"Everyone has their own wishes about why they make certain moves and I'm sure that he has his people that he spoke to either his manager or his family.
"Then he made the choice and I'm sure it is going to be good for him.
"It is harder at Sundowns because they have all the big names and all the reputation especially in playing at the highest level in Africa.
"I think for him it is going to be great and he will enjoy being part of a team that wins trophies every year.
"Like all football players you all want to play on the big stage and earn the best money because this is a job at the end of the day.
"All he needs to do is make sure that he makes the most of it.
"With the money that they earn at Sundowns, I would be also happy.
"It is no secret that the money at Sundowns is that good.
"However, what needs to be understood is that whenever you go into a new job be it football or whatever it takes some time in getting to understand how everything works.
"It is rare that someone goes into a new club and then boom everything happens.
"So, I just think that he needs some time in getting to adapt to the way of doing things at Sundowns, but I hope he settles in soon enough.
"The presence of all the other South Americans at the club will help a lot because when you are so away from home it is good to have people that can show you around and make you welcome as a new player.
"He will do an awesome job for Sundowns after he has settled in but that adjustment has to happen fast," says Gindre.
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