Mendieta Set For Stellies Exit With R10m Price Tag

Stellenbosch star Junior Mendieta is ready to leave the club with his release clause at R10-million for potential suitors.

Mendieta has been one of the standout players in the DStv Premiership since his arrival from Argentine club Club Atlético Lanús but he took his game to new heights in the 2022/23 campaign with 10 goals and nine assists in 31 games across all competitions.

He is amongst the top earners at the club but at 29, he’s seeking the next new challenge to capitalise on his potential earners at the peak of his career.

iDiski Times understands the release clause in his current contract is set at R10-million and he has informed the club of his desire to move on.

“Junior is ready for something different after three seasons at Stellenbosch, they have a salary cap but it’s not the main reason for wanting to leave, but rather a sporting challenge in order to challenge for silverware,” a source confirmed to this website.

As first reported by SABC Sport, Mamelodi Sundowns have made the first move for the player, with Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates previously expressing interest in his services for the upcoming campaign.

The public broadcaster also confirmed the exit of Haashim Domingo, who failed to agree terms on a new contract, which has seen them act fast on the potential signing of the Argentine playmaker.

Sundowns are likely to loan out Erwin Saavedra in the new season in order to open up a foreign quota spot for the player, with both player and club open to potentially seeing him remain in the DStv Premiership to revive his career after several injury disruptions.

Story by Lorenz Kohler (@Lorenz_KO).