Mamelodi Sundowns attacking midfielder Erwin Saavedra is relishing the chance to hit the ground running after an injury-hit campaign during the 2021-22 season.

Saavedra joined the Brazilians from Bolivian Primera División outfit Bolívar La Paz during the January transfer window and made his debut in the 1-0 Caf Champions League group-stage win over Al Hilal on 11 February this year.

The 26-year-old only made three appearances since joining Sundowns against Al Hilal, Baroka FC and Al Merreikh after he suffered an injury which kept him out of contention for the rest of the season.

The Bolivian international has since vowed to come back strong next season and repay Sundowns for the faith they showed in him during the 2021-22 season after adding the DStv Premiership and Nedbank Cup titles to his CV.

“First of all, it was a different experience from what I am used to. However, to win two trophies is great even though I got them not in the way I would have preferred since I was injured. [As a footballer] these are titles which will forever be part of my CV,” Saavedra told his club’s official website.

“The coaches told me that injuries are part of football, and to me, this is part of football I have never experienced before and it is new to me.

“I am only hoping to start the next season in the best manner possible, together we can achieve new objectives that we didn’t get to achieve this season.

“Firstly, I am really grateful for the support we have received from our fans, they have really given us massive amounts of support. As players, we really do need their support and we just urge them to not lose faith in us as we go for more championships.”