Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso believes midfielder Marcelo Allende is underrated in South Africa.

Allende got his name on the score sheet in the Brazilians’ 3-1 win over Durban City at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria.

The 26-year-old has already registered three assists in 13 matches across all competitions so far this season.

Cardoso says people have not recognised Allende’s quality and does not understand his level of football as a player.

“I think it’s important that South Africa in general understands the level of player that Marcelo is,” Cardoso told SuperSport TV after the game.

“I think he’s a little bit underrated. He was never, until the moment, really recognised for the quality that he has.

“As much as I am concerned I want that he feels pleasure and freedom to play and to express himself. And that freedom allows him, indeed, to look for other spaces, for other things.

“And I stay pretty happy with what he can show, fantastic player that we all have the privilege to see playing football.”