The midfielder is expected to arrive in South Africa early soon to join Sundowns, with reports having previously suggested the Brazilians had secured the signature of Saavedra Flores from Bolivar on a deal reported to be worth a staggering R12 million.
Mngqithi, who previously explained why he is a big fan of Saavedra last month, has confirmed that the 25-year-old is part of their Caf Champions League squad.
“Saavedra, we have signed [him]. We have registered him for Caf as well, so we have sealed that one. He is a very good footballer by the way,” Mngqithi told the media at the Nedbank Cup Launch on Tuesday evening.
Last month, his former club paid tribute to Saveedra in officially bidding him farewell.
“After almost 300 games and more than 50 goals with the light blue, today we say goodbye to Erwin Saavedra. Together we lived through immense joys and great moments,” a club statement read.
“We wish you the best of success in this new stage, Erwin. Thank you for everything! Bolivar will always be your home.”
The Brazilians will begin their CAF Champions League group stages campaign with a clash against Al Hilal in Pretoria on 11 February.
Luego de casi 300 partidos y más de 50 goles con la celeste, hoy le damos la despedida a Erwin Saavedra. Juntos vivimos inmensas alegrías y grandes momentos.
Te deseamos el mayor de los éxitos en esta nueva etapa Erwin ¡Gracias por todo!
Bolívar siempre será tu hogarpic.twitter.com/5rbmCIvdlE
— Club Bolívar (@Bolivar_Oficial) January 21, 2022
iDiski Times has reported that 25-year-old attacker is expected to arrive in South Africa after the FIFA 2022 World Cup qualifiers, with Bolivia set to play Venezuela away and Chile at home between 28 January and 1 February.
Saveedra expected to add value at Sundowns
Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi has also spoken on the Ultimate Sports Show about talks that have linked the player to the current DStv Premiership pace-setters.
“What I can say to you, I know many players and that name also is familiar to me. He is a player that I’ve watched him a lot, a player we believe he has something to give.”
“He is a player that we have spoken with management about, but on how far this thing are, I would not like to consider talking,” he continued.
“But I do know the player, and he is a good football player.”