Marcelo Allende Shares Wisdom with Mamelodi Sundowns’ Under-20 World Cup Heroes

Marcelo Allende

Shares Wisdom with Mamelodi Sundowns’ Under-20 World Cup Heroes

Author: John Aliu

Marcelo Allende understands the pride and responsibility that come with representing one’s country at a young age. Long before he became a creative force at Mamelodi Sundowns, the Chilean midfielder was already shaping his football identity through years of international youth football, learning lessons that continue to define his career today.

The 2025 FIFA Under-20 World Cup held in Chile offered Allende a special sense of pride and nostalgia. For him, it was more than a global tournament — it was a reminder of where his journey began. Watching several young Sundowns players compete on the same soil where his own dreams once took flight stirred emotions that words could hardly capture.

“It was beautiful to see the World Cup in Chile. That is where my football story started. I have very good memories of representing my country. The people in Chile live and breathe football. They teach you to play with heart, with intelligence and with respect for the game. It is a culture that shapes you in every way.”

Allende rose through Chile’s national youth system, featuring for the Under-15, Under-17, Under-18 and Under-20 teams. At the Under-20 level, he represented Chile in both the 2018 South American Games—where he won a gold medal—and the 2019 South American Championship. He later made his senior debut for the Chilean national team on 11 December 2021 in a 1–0 win over El Salvador.

“Playing for my country at different levels helped me grow faster. You learn to handle pressure and to stay focused even when things are difficult. The coaches always reminded us that talent is only the beginning; it is discipline and attitude that take you forward. Those lessons still guide me every day.”

This year, five young Masandawana players — Asekho Tiwani, Siyabonga Mabena, Gomolemo Kekana, Kutlwano Letlhaku and Thato Sibiya — carried their nation’s hopes at the tournament, making Mamelodi Sundowns the Club with the highest number of representatives in the South African squad.

Drawn in Group E alongside France, the United States and New Caledonia, Amajita began with a narrow 2–1 defeat before rebounding with a commanding 5–0 victory over New Caledonia. Their defining moment came in the final group match thanks to a spirited 2–1 win over the United States sealed by a dramatic late goal from Kekana. The result sent them into the Round of 16, where they eventually bowed out after a 3–1 defeat to Colombia.

Though their journey ended in the knockout stage, their spirit and performance left a lasting impression, especially on Allende, who followed every match with pride.
“The tournament is very important for their development. It gives them experience that you cannot get anywhere else. They played against some of the best young players in the world. That helps you grow not only as a footballer, but as a person. You learn about pressure, about making quick decisions and about staying calm in big moments,” remarked Marcelo.

Allende made sure to share his thoughts with the young Sundowns players upon their return to Chloorkop.

“I told them to be proud of what they achieved. Representing your country at a World Cup is something very few players ever experience. I encouraged them to enjoy the memories but also to use the lessons. Every match teaches you something about preparation, concentration and teamwork. Those lessons will serve them for the rest of their careers.”

Having made the same transition from youth international football to the professional stage, Allende knows that the real journey begins after the tournament ends: “Now it is about consistency. The boys must keep training hard, keep listening and keep improving. They are in a very competitive environment here at Sundowns, surrounded by experienced players who can guide them. They already have the quality; now it is about focus and mentality. If they keep working, they will go far.”

As the young Brazilians returned to domestic action, they carried with them not just the experience of a World Cup, but also the encouragement of a mentor who has walked their path. For Marcelo Allende, that connection — between his past and their future — is what makes football truly beautiful.

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