Mendieta enthusiastically shared his thoughts on becoming a part of the Masandawana family, stating, “To make this move means that I have done my job very well during the past few years and having the opportunity to play for such a big team in South Africa is truly exciting. There is so much that lies ahead at this club and I am pleased to be part of it.”
Júnior holds the distinction of becoming the third-ever Argentine to play for Mamelodi Sundowns, following in the footsteps of Vicente Principiano in 2005 and Emiliano Tade in 2021. However, what truly sets Mendieta apart and makes him particularly special is his remarkable versatility, offensive capabilities and ball-striking techniques—a combination of attributes he shares with his retired namesake, Gaizka Mendieta, the Spanish legend.
When asked about his vision for Bafana Ba Style, the 30-year-old midfielder said, “I am ready to give everything for my new club. I am determined to win important trophies here and etch my name in the history of the club. I love to play with passion and I am fully prepared to contribute my best to the team’s success this season.”
The skillful midfielder opened up about the reason for his passion for the game, saying, “I faced many struggles because I came from a humble background. However, in everything I do in life, I approach it with passion. Whether on the field or in my personal life, I strive to overcome obstacles, work diligently and continuously learn. Being a role model for my children is of utmost importance to me because I firmly believe that setting good examples begins at home.”