Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Marcelo Allende is facing significant hurdles as he tries to make his way back into the Chilean national team. Despite being a standout performer for the South African champions, Allende has been informed that his situation makes it difficult for him to secure a place in Chile’s squad.
Allende joined Mamelodi Sundowns in August 2022 and quickly established himself as a key player in the team. Known for his technical ability, vision, and versatility, the 24-year-old has been instrumental in Sundowns’ success in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and their impressive performances in the CAF Champions League.
However, his international ambitions are proving complicated. One of the main obstacles is the perception that playing outside Europe reduces a player’s visibility and chances for national team selection. Chile’s coaching staff tend to favor players based in Europe or South America, where the leagues are considered more competitive and easier to monitor.
Additionally, Chile’s national team is currently undergoing a rebuilding phase following a difficult period in which they failed to qualify for the last two FIFA World Cups. The team is prioritizing younger, Europe-based players as part of their long-term plans, which puts Allende in a challenging position.
Despite these setbacks, Allende remains hopeful about representing his country again. His consistent performances for Sundowns, both domestically and in continental competitions, have proven his quality. He believes that continuing to excel in South Africa and the CAF Champions League could eventually earn him another opportunity with the national team.
For now, Allende’s focus is firmly on helping Mamelodi Sundowns maintain their dominance in South African football and achieve more success in Africa. While his journey back to the Chilean national team may be uncertain, his determination and talent ensure he will keep striving to reach his goal. Sundowns fans will undoubtedly back him as he works toward achieving both club and international success.
