Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Matias Esquivel finds his career at a
crossroads following the early termination of his loan spell with Greek club
A.E. Kifisia.
The Argentine has returned to Chloorkop after the Greek side cut short his
deal several weeks ago. However, all indications suggest he will not be
reintegrated into the first-team plans, especially following the arrival of
Colombian forward Brayan Leon.
Sundowns are now exploring the possibility of loaning Esquivel out for a
second time this season, a move permissible under FIFA regulations. If a
suitable club cannot be found before the transfer window closes, he is
unlikely to be registered for the remainder of the campaign and would have
to wait until the season’s end for another opportunity to depart.
The 25-year-old has struggled to secure a foothold at Sundowns since his
arrival. Former head coach Rulani Mokwena originally brought him to the
club, but he failed to break into the lineup and spent time back in
Argentina before his loan to Greece.
His lack of progress was also acknowledged by current coach Miguel Cardoso.
Speaking in August last year, Cardoso clarified that the player’s situation
predated his tenure.
“Matias is a player that came to Sundowns not with me, but with Rulani
Mokwena… I also didn’t give him playing minutes. It was not only coach
Rulani. Me also,” Cardoso stated.
The coach pointed to a lack of consistency and assertiveness from the player
as contributing factors. “Matias also wasn’t constant in telling me that he
wants to play. And that is said by training hard, better than the other
players… a player must show in the training sessions that he is better
than the ones that are playing in the same position.”
With his path at Sundowns seemingly blocked, the coming weeks will be
critical in determining Esquivel’s next destination as he seeks to revive
his career.
