Kaizer Chiefs: Zlatan's club loses SA wonderkid to Naturena
Kaizer Chiefs have pulled off a quiet but significant coup by bringing back gifted teenage midfielder Steven Mendes from Hammarby Fotboll in Sweden. The 17-year-old, who left Naturena last year to join the academy of the Allsvenskan side, has returned to South Africa and is set to rejoin Chiefs' DStv Diski Challenge squad.
According to iDiski Times , Mendes made an early impact in Sweden, adjusting well to life in Stockholm and impressing with his sharp technical skills. But now, the youngster is back where it all began, ready to continue his development in a Nedbank Cup-winning Chiefs environment.
Hammarby IF, steeped in tradition and based in the heart of Stockholm, are one-time Swedish champions and five-time Svenska Cupen finalists. With Zlatan Ibrahimović holding a 23.5% ownership stake, the club has enjoyed global attention and rising expectations.
Despite the prestige and opportunity, Mendes has opted for a return to South African football. His time in Europe has sharpened his talent, but home soil now offers the platform to shine brighter.
Known for his technical ability and powerful shooting, Mendes has built a reputation for scoring 'anything but ordinary' goals.
'Those who have watched Mendes in action describe his goals as anything but ordinary,' notes a source, underlining the excitement surrounding his return.
Back at Chiefs, the midfielder is expected to be a key figure in the Diski Challenge squad, who recently lifted the title for the first time since the reserve league's inception.
With the South African national team preparing for U17 and U20 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Mendes will aim to catch the selectors' eyes once more. His European experience gives him an edge, and Chiefs will hope to mould him into a future first-team star.
Is this a good move for Kaizer Chiefs and Mendes?
Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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