Ex-Pirates coach to hand discarded Sundowns star a lifeline?

Earlier this week, Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena dropped a bombshell, confirming the release of Abubeker Nassir from the club.

Nassir was the second exit unofficially confirmed by Sundowns, after Bongani Zungu confirmed his departure through social media.

Nassir released by Sundowns?

The Ethiopian international had been in the wilderness all season, after failing to recover from a serious injury. His current injury stems from a career-threatening injury he got after a challenge with ex-Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane. Nassir has not been the same ever since and was not registered as a Sundowns first team player at the end of the last campaign.

Even before then, there were rumours that the club would cut their losses on the player. In a press conference earlier this year, Mokwena gave an indication that Nassir’s career was hanging by a thread. Now the latest developments seem to suggest the player will be or has already been released by Sundowns. 

According to The Citizen, should Nassir be in possession of his Sundowns clearance, it’s believed that Raja Athletic Club are interested. 

“Even though the club has not officially confirmed his exit, Phakaaathi has it on good authority that Nassir has been released by Sundowns.But a source has revealed that he could soon find himself playing in the Botola Pro 1 league under former Orlando Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer at Raja.” Wrote the publication. 

Ex-Pirates coach Zinnbauer wants him at Raja?

A source speaking to the publication also went further to confirm the interest Raja has in Nassir.

“Coach Zinnbauer is a fan of Nassir. He likes his style of play very much and has asked his Raja bosses to begin talks with him,” said the source. 

Fresh from an invincible league winning season with Raja, Josef Zinnbauer would be keen to strengthen his squad. A former Sundowns star in Nassir seems to be a target for the former Pirates coach.