Abdelmounaim Boutouil will become the first Moroccan player to play in the PSL after being officially unveiled by Mamelodi Sundowns.
This past week Sundowns confirmed the newest arrival of Bafana Bafana international Terrence Mashego on a five-year deal. That signing followed hot on the heels of the club also unveiling Marcelo Allende as one of their newest signings.
Earlier this year it was also revealed that Moroccan defender Abdelmounaim Boutouil would also be joining Masandawana.
That news has not been officially confirmed until now, though, with Sundowns releasing the following announcement video on Thursday.
Ahead of the new season, Sundowns had already bolstered their squad with carefully-considered recruits, with the Brazilians warmly welcoming the arrival of Abubeker Nasir, who has already made an immediate impact.
Some critics have suggested that the strength of the player resources could lead to one-sided dominance and a weakening of the competition in the DStv Premiership, but Sundowns chairperson Thlopie Motsepe has sought to set the record straight.
“I don’t know where the criticism has come from in that regard. Players want to come to Mamelodi Sundowns because it is a place where they can improve themselves and achieve their dreams in football…” he said.
“I said at the end of last season we can expect a very tough league after the success we had last season. It has been a competitive and tough league [in 2022-23]. We expect it to only get even more competitive.”
The arrival of Boutouil and Allende were initially hindered by visa and work permit application issues, but Sundowns were working hard to have both players registered.
Boutouil signed a three-year deal and the hope is that Peter Shalulile (Namibia) will successfully receive a permanent residence approval in the near future. That would open up a spot for Boutouil to be registered as one of five foreign players along with Gaston Sirino (Uruguay), Nasir, Allende and Erwin Saavedra (Bolivia).
According to KickOff.com, this situation looks likely to successfully materialise before the close of the window on 22 September, and “Boutouil could be available as soon as the next game”.
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