Kaizer Chiefs’ teenage prodigy, Steven ‘Stevie G’ Mendes, has officially signed with Swedish club Hammarby IF, which is partially owned by retired legendary striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The club successfully registered Mendes before the August 26th transfer deadline, marking a significant milestone in the young attacking midfielder’s career. This transfer brings Mendes to a club with a storied history and a promising future.
Hammarby IF, deeply rooted in the heart of Stockholm, boasts a rich legacy in Swedish football. The club has won the Allsvenskan once and has been a finalist in the Svenska Cupen five times. This move presents Mendes with the opportunity to compete in a top-tier league while learning from some of the best in the sport.
Ibrahimovic’s 23.5% ownership stake adds an extra layer of prestige and intrigue to the club’s ambitions. Mendes, who has already represented South Africa at the Under-15 and Under-17 levels, brings an impressive track record to Hammarby. During his time with PSL giants Kaizer Chiefs, he scored an astonishing 20 goals in 34 games for the GDL team.
The youngster’s technical prowess, particularly his remarkable shooting ability, has drawn widespread praise. Observers describe his goals as extraordinary, highlighting his composure in the box, intelligent passing, and willingness to contribute defensively. Mendes even managed to score for South Africa in a challenging match against Ivory Coast, showcasing his ability to shine under pressure.
Insights from Andrew Matjila
South African agent Andrew Matjila, who combines his expertise from Living the Dream Sport Agency with a background in youth coaching, emphasized Mendes’ adaptability as a midfielder. Matjila noted that Mendes is comfortable playing both as a box-to-box midfielder and a creative playmaker.
“He’s a versatile midfielder, comfortable playing as a box-to-box 8 or a creative 10,” Matjila told FARPost. “At just 15, turning 16, his finishing ability and eye for spectacular goals stand out. A move to Europe at this stage would be crucial for his development. We’ve witnessed West African talents flourish in Europe’s top leagues from a young age, and the impact on their careers is undeniable.”
The move to Hammarby is widely seen as a crucial step in Mendes’ development. Kaizer Chiefs, who are believed to have included sell-on and first refusal clauses in the agreement, clearly have faith in his future and aim to benefit from his inevitable rise.
Former Goalie’s Warning
In related news, a former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper has cautioned the club against offering Itumeleng Khune an off-field role, citing various reasons for his stance.