In a smart and quiet move, Kaizer Chiefs have brought back a promising young midfielder, Steven Mendes, who spent the last year developing his skills in Sweden.
At just 17 years old, Mendes had joined the academy of Hammarby Fotboll in Stockholm after leaving Chiefs’ Naturena base.
Now, he’s back home and ready to rejoin Chiefs’ DStv Diski Challenge team, bringing with him valuable international experience.
Mendes Shines in Sweden’s Top League Environment
During his time in Sweden, Mendes quickly adapted to life in Stockholm and impressed coaches and fans alike with his sharp technical skills and maturity on the pitch.
Hammarby IF, a respected club with a proud history — including a link to superstar Zlatan Ibrahimović as a partial owner — has been a unique environment for the young South African.
The Allsvenskan side’s competitive atmosphere helped Mendes grow as a player, sharpening his talent for the challenges ahead.
Returning Home to a Winning Chiefs Setup
Despite the opportunities in Europe, Mendes chose to return to South Africa where he feels the environment is right for the next stage of his career.
Kaizer Chiefs recently lifted the Nedbank Cup and Diski Challenge title, creating a winning culture that Mendes can now tap into.
Known for his flair and powerful shooting, he’s expected to bring excitement and creativity back to Chiefs’ reserve squad.
Scoring Goals That Are Anything But Ordinary
One thing that stands out about Mendes is his knack for scoring memorable goals.
Those who’ve seen him play often talk about the special quality in his shots — goals that go beyond the ordinary.
This flair makes him a thrilling player to watch and one that Chiefs fans will be eager to see develop further.
Ambitions for National Team and Beyond
With South Africa’s U17 and U20 national teams gearing up for World Cup qualifiers, Mendes’ return couldn’t come at a better time.
His experience overseas gives him an edge in the race for national selection.
Chiefs will be hoping to mould him into a future first-team star and possibly a regular on the international stage.