Miguel Cardoso Insists New Signings Are Not Lucas Ribeiro Successors
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has made it clear that the club’s new Portuguese arrivals are not at Chloorkop to fill the void left by Lucas Ribeiro. The Brazilian forward, who was instrumental last season and crowned PSL Footballer of the Season, departed in the off-season. , leaving many wondering who would take on his role.
New Arrivals at Chloorkop
Nuno Santos, a marquee signing from Portuguese top-flight side Vitória de Guimarães, has already made his debut in the 1-0 defeat to Golden Arrows on Wednesday. Fellow countryman Miguel Reisinho is also expected to join the Brazilians on a free transfer following his stint with Boavista FC.
While many have drawn comparisons between the two new recruits and Ribeiro, Cardoso firmly rejected the idea that they were brought in as direct replacements.
Miguel Cardoso – “That’s Not What We’re Looking For”
“No player will replace Lucas because that’s not what we are looking for. We want to reinforce the team and every player has their own characteristics,” said Cardoso. “Neither Nuno nor Miguel Reisinho have the attributes that Lucas had.”
The coach emphasised that Sundowns would now evolve into a different collective unit:
“Lucas was the type of player who could solve problems on his own, and in games like today, he would have helped a lot. But Lucas is a wonderful memory and a good friend, and that’s in the past. We don’t dwell on the past our focus is on welcoming everyone and developing the team.”
Looking Ahead After Golden Arrows Defeat
Golden Arrows stunned the Brazilians 1-0 in a rain-soaked midweek clash, handing them a setback. Cardoso admitted that his side failed to capitalise on their chances, a factor that proved costly.
“In football, we evaluate differently. People said we played well in the last game because we scored three goals, but I don’t see it that way,” Cardoso explained. “We’re unsatisfied because we had more than enough capacity to get a result here. You get punished when you don’t score.”
Quick Turnaround for Richards Bay Clash
Sundowns will not have much time to reflect on the loss as they prepare to face Richards Bay at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday evening. Cardoso remains optimistic that his team will bounce back.
“We’re strong, resilient, and capable of moving forward. We will do that, and it’s good that we already have a game on Saturday,” he concluded.
Related article: Miguel Cardoso Left Fuming After Sundowns’ First Betway Premiership Defeat
