Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane believes that winger Jose Ali Meza has proven that he deserves a chance in the Brazilians first team.

The Venezuelan forward has started to hit form for Sundowns and scored his first goal of the campaign during their 5-0 hammering of AmaZulu in the Telkom Knockout Cup over the weekend.

Sundowns advanced to the next stage of the competition where they will now take on Chippa United, who defeated Bloemfontein Celtic 1-0 at the Sias Dukashe Stadium on Tuesday evening.

Although Meza faces stiff competition for a place in the Sundowns team from Mauricio Affonso, Lebogang Maboe, and Phakamani Mahlambi, Mosimane believes that he deserves all the credit following his recent performances for the club.

‘Ali shows everybody that he spent a year without playing and wants to play. It’s a good mentality. Remember, he went to Maritzburg United and they said he isn’t good enough.

‘He knows where he comes from and knows Mauricio [Affonso] is a No 9 and will give him problems. Even Lebo Maboe and Phakamani [Mahlambi] can play No 9 also.

‘He is professional and is living a good life. Ali shows that he deserves a chance.’

Mamelodi Sundowns will now turn their attention back to the Absa Premiership when they welcome Highlands Park to the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Wednesday, with kick-off set for 7:30pm.