This year, Sundowns welcomed Saavedra with open arms when he arrived in South Africa as part of a multimillion-dollar deal (estimated to be around 12.25 million rand).
The Bolivian international, who participated in the Copa America, was anticipated to add even more star power to a Sundowns team that has dominated South African soccer in recent years.
Sundowns’ 1-0 victory over Al Hilal Omdurman marked Saavedra’s debut in the CAF Champions League for Masandawana. However, he was injured in the first half against Al Merih and has been largely inactive since.
In total, the versatile midfielder made only four games across all competitions. In June, he acknowledged that it was one of his most difficult periods in terms of coping with injuries.
“The coaches told me that injuries are part of football. For me, it’s a part of football that I’ve never experienced before and it’s new to me. I just hope to start next season in the best possible way. Together we will be able to achieve new goals that we did not achieve this season,” he said.
Saavedra was still unable to begin work at the beginning of the 2022/23 season, as he explained in a Spanish-translated Instagram post about this tragic injury situation.
“For all the people misinforming my situation without knowing what’s really going on, I have to explain that I’m going through a trauma that even I can’t understand or explain what I’m really feeling.
“People who know me and have seen my work up close know that despite many injuries I still played, it’s the first time I’ve had such a serious injury.
“I’ll get through it and I’m sure I’ll come back stronger. I have faith and confidence that I am very close to my recovery. And to everyone who sends me messages of support, I hug and thank you.”
The skilled player signed a contract with the Sundowns in February that extends until June 2024. Prior to joining Sundowns, he signed with Brazilian team Gayas and Bolivar in his home country of Bolivia.
LEADING SCORERS IN THE 2021/22 DSTV PREMIER SEASON
Corrected on August 22, 2022
T1 – Gabadinho Mango (Amazulu) – 3
T1 – Peter Shalulile (Mamelosi Sundowns) – 3
T1 – Andre de Jong (Royal AM) – 3rd
T4 – Keegan Allan (Swallows) – 2nd
T4 – Darwin Gonzalez (Cape Town City FC) – 2
T4 – Hanisa Mayo (Cape Town City FC) – 2
T4 – Junior Mendieta (FC Stellenbosch) – 2
T4 – Ricardo Nascimento (Royal AM) – 2