Former Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Junior Mendieta appeared to be rediscovering his best form in the Greek topflight, but his resurgence has been abruptly halted following his unexpected release.
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The Argentine playmaker arrived in South Africa in 2020 and quickly adapted to life in the Betway Premiership. While his debut campaign at Stellenbosch FC wasn't prolific, Mendieta's influence was crucial to the club's survival, helping them secure a 14th-place finish in his first season.
It was during his final campaign with Stellies, however, that the midfielder showcased his true quality. Mendieta enjoyed a standout 2022/23 season, amassing nine goals and eight assists in 26 league appearances, as Steve Barker's side soared to a sixth-place finish. The Argentine's clinical contributions underpinned Stellenbosch's impressive rise in the league standings.
His performances inevitably caught the attention of bigger clubs, and the allure of Chloorkop proved irresistible. Mendieta joined Mamelodi Sundowns at the start of the 2023/24 season, trading Stellies' underdog spirit for the title-winning machinery of Masandawana.
However, the move came at the expense of personal milestones. In his single season with Sundowns, the versatile forward struggled for game time, managing just two goals and three assists across 29 matches. It was clear Mendieta needed a fresh challenge, and he found one in the Greek Super League 1.
At the beginning of the ongoing campaign, the 31-year-old signed for Volos NPS, and his European journey seemed to breathe new life into his career. Mendieta notched four goals and an assist in 17 appearances, establishing himself as one of the team's key players. His impact was rivaled only by teammate Mark Koszta, who managed five goals and two assists in all competitions.
But just as Mendieta appeared to be regaining his form, his progress was cut short. Volos recently announced the termination of his contract. The official statement read:
"Volos FC announces the termination of its contracts with Omri Altman and Junior Mendieta, wishing them good luck in the future of their careers."
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Reports suggest the club's financial difficulties have forced them to part ways with one of their most promising talents. Mendieta's premature exit raises questions about his next move, but his performances in Greece suggest the Argentine still has plenty to offer at the highest level.
