Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has confirmed that Ethiopian striker Abubeker Nasir has departed the club on loan to SuperSport United.

Mngqithi revealed the surprising news following their 4-1 victory over Marumo Gallants at Loftus Stadium on Tuesday, which solidified their position at the top of the Betway Premiership table.

Nasir joined Sundowns ahead of the 2022/23 season but faced challenges due to injuries and fierce competition for a starting place.

He suffered a significant injury during the MTN8 semi-final first leg against Orlando Pirates in his first season, colliding with Siyabonga Mpontshane at Orlando Stadium and being sidelined for an extended period. This absence was lamented by former Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena.

As a result of the injury, Nasir was not registered for the previous season, and Mokwena had previously indicated that he was no longer at Sundowns. However, the player appeared in the pre-season under Mngqithi in Austria and even scored in a 3-0 friendly win over Al Arabi.

The signing of Stellenbosch FC striker Iqraam Rayners during the current season further limited Nasir’s opportunities, making his position at Sundowns increasingly untenable. Rayners was one of the goalscorers in Tuesday’s victory over Gallants.

“Nasir is not at Sundowns at the moment, and I think he’s at SuperSport,” said Mngqithi. 

“I thought you should know that.” 

Nasir joins a lengthy list of players who have left Sundowns during the off-season, including Sipho Mbule, Gaston Sirino, Brian Onyango, Gadinkame Modise, Siyanda Msani, Katlego Mohamme, Luvuyo Phewa, Etiosa Ighodaro, Thabang Sibanyoni, Nyiko Mobbie, Ricardo Goss, Ismail Watenga, Junior Mendieta, Matias Esquivel, Sifiso Ngobeni, Bongani Zungu, Thabiso Kutumela, Abdelmounaim Boutouil, and Promise Mkhuma.

Next up for Sundowns is a crucial match against Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on Saturday (15:00). The venue holds positive memories for Sundowns, having defeated Chiefs 5-1 there last season and clinching the league title with six games to spare.