Mamelodi Sundowns could have one of their best attacking group of players yet when the DStv Premiership resumes after the FIFA World Cup break.
Sundowns, not only did they suffer the injury blow of leading striker Peter Shalulile leading up to the break but they have also been without new signing Abubeker Nassir for some time.
Nasir scored his first goal off the bench for the Brazilians in a 4-0 thumping of Kaizer Chiefs in August but sustained a horrible ankle injury that kept him out of the team until he returned to play back-to-back matches against SuperSport United in the MTN8 and in the league.
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However, the injury seemingly recurred, as the Ethiopian sensation has not featured for Masandawana since then, although coach Manqoba Mngqithi indicated in October that he could be back soon.
Shalulile is back training with the team and the potential return of Nasir, who has already scored three goals in just four appearances, makes the Sundowns attack look really formidable, considering also the form of Cassius Mailula before the recess.
Nasir says he was happy to score his first goal against Chiefs and his adaptation at Sundowns and in the league has been quicker than he expected.
"I was extremely happy to score my first goal for Sundowns during such a big match, in my mind I knew I was pleasing the fans and also making my family and friends happy. They have all contributed to my success," Nasir said on the latest edition of Sundowns magazine.
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"I thought it was going to be difficult, but the coaching team and the players have made it easier to adjust in South Africa. The club has been welcoming and has made me feel at home. I would like to thank the club for this opportunity."
Before the 22-year old joined Sundowns, there were reports that Chiefs were also interested in his services, as well as other overseas teams but the former Ethiopian Coffee striker says he's convinced he made the right choice to join the South African champions.
"Even though there were a few teams that approached me, the fact that Sundowns is one of the best teams in Africa made my decision easier. Sundowns is a Champions league winning team with ambitions to continuously conquer the continent," he said.
Nasir went on to outline his ambitions for the season and the challenge of breaking into the star-studded line-up.
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"This season I would like to score more than ten goals and provide as many assists as possible. Unfortunately, due to my injury I haven't been able to play many games," he said.
"Sundowns has many quality players and I must work extra hard to prove myself to be selected in the starting line up," he added.
Nasir reportedly scored 29 goals in 22 league appearances for Ethiopian Coffee in the 2020/21 season before he was signed by Sundowns in January this year and was loaned back to his parent club to complete the 2021/22 campaign.
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