For a while now, the star of Stellenbosch FC, Junior Mendieta, has been linked to a sensational transfer to Kaizer Chiefs.
However, it appears that he will continue to play for his current club as they are no longer “willing sellers.”
The small midfielder, according to many Amakhosi supporters, is what Arthur Zwane’s team is lacking.
Mendieta was a wonderful addition for Kaizer Chiefs because of his excellent seven goals and seven assists so far this season.
However, Arthur Zwane faces a significant challenge because, according to the most recent rumors, Stellenbosch is unwilling to part with any of their players this year.
The captain of Stellenbosch (Zitha Kwinika) and their standout player (Ashley Du Preez) were both taken by the Amakhosi last season. According to rumors, Steve Barker is not planning to allow any of his important players leave this year.
“There is a no-sale tag placed on the entire squad because the management wants to build a solid squad for next season, and selling top players will mean that they will have to start all over again,” a source told Citizen.
STELLENBOSCH FC MIDFIELDER’S CLUB CAREER!
Mendieta started his senior career with Deportivo Morón in Primera B Metropolitana, having played for Quilmes at youth level. His professional debut arrived on 14 February 2015 during a draw with Deportivo Merlo, prior to Mendieta receiving red cards in consecutive appearances in August against Defensores de Belgrano and Platense.
A month later, he scored his senior goal against Almagro. Mendieta scored twice more that year, which preceded six goals in fourteen games in the next campaign. On 30 June 2016, Argentine Primera División side Lanús signed Mendieta. He was immediately loaned to Los Andes.
Mendieta remained with Los Andes for the 2016–17 and 2017–18 Primera B Nacional seasons, scoring seven times in forty-six matches in all competitions. After returning to Lanús in June, Mendieta subsequently agreed to rejoin Deportivo Morón; signing a loan contract. He netted twice for Morón, both came in a fixture with Instituto in November 2018, across nineteen appearances. Mendieta had a third loan spell away from Lanús in 2019–20, joining Atlético de Rafaela for twelve months in July 2019. One goal in eighteen matches followed, in a campaign that was curtailed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mendieta’s contract with Lanús expired on 30 June 2020, with the midfielder subsequently revealing that a potential move to South African Premier Division side Stellenbosch was being finalized; amid interest from Rafaela for a permanent contract. The move to Africa was belatedly confirmed on 30 October. His first appearance arrived on 4 November against SuperSport United, as he replaced Jayden Adams with twenty-five minutes left of an eventual 1–0 defeat. He scored his first goal on 21 November versus Chippa United, before netting his second on 12 February against Golden Arrows.