Marcelo Allende discusses Sundowns' motivation and Chile national team snub

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Marcelo Allende has stated that losing the Betway Premiership title has increased the squad's motivation to reclaim the trophy and win domestic competitions. The 27-year-old Chilean player noted that the experience was “painful” but has helped create a hunger to succeed in upcoming finals and league play.

Despite his influential role at the South African club, Allende has once again been omitted from the Chile national team squad. His exclusion comes ahead of international fixtures against Canada, the United States, and Mexico. His continued absence from the national side has raised questions regarding whether playing in the South African league impacts his visibility to Chilean selectors.