Mamelodi Sundowns Coach Miguel Cardoso Backs a Star to Reach Even Greater Heights

Mamelodi Sundowns Coach Miguel Cardoso Backs a Star to Reach Even Greater Heights

  • Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso praised Brazilian star Lucas Riberio for his all-round performances and said the player can reach new levels
  • Ribeiro scored a brace as the defending champions took a firm grip on the PSL title by beating second-placed Orlando Pirates 4-1 on Saturday, 8 February 2025
  • Local football fans praised Ribeiro on social media, saying the player is levels above other stars in the PSL

Brazilian star Lucas Ribeiro has been praised by Miguel Cardoso after the player starred against Orlando Pirates during a 4-1 victory on Saturday, 8 February 2025.

The Mamelodi Sundowns star impressed his coach, who said the Brazilian produced an all-around performance and that the 26-year-old can reach new levels.

Miguel Cardoso backs Lucas Ribeiro to reach new heights.
Coach Miguel Cardoso has been impressed with Mamelodi Sundowns star Lucas Ribeiro. Image: Masandawana.
Source: Twitter

Following their victory over Pirates, Sundowns are now nine points clear atop the PSL table with 15 matches to go as they aim for an eighth successive title.

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Mamelodi Sundowns vs Orlando Pirates: What to expect, favourites to win the match

Lucas Riberio is reaching new levels

Cardoso speaks about Ribeiro in the tweet below:

According to iDiski Times, Cardoso praised Ribeiro for his performances and previously stated that Sundowns must do all they can to keep the player in the PSL amid overseas interest.

Cardoso said:

“I think Lucas can reach higher levels in the future because the Lucas we see now, he’s much more committed to the defensive process, and that also brings something from him. We decided to swap the positions between Peter [Shalulile], Iqraam [Rayners] and himself. You saw Iqraam was playing with Peter in front in the beginning but then we changed to put Iqraam on the left, Peter on the right and Lucas as the nine. We wanted to provide different challenges for the defenders of Pirates and he scored from that, he understood what to do in the position, so he’s growing as a player.”

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Watch Sundowns' goals against Pirates in the video below:

Sundowns are dominating the PSL

Sundowns have been in great form this season and have produced some dominant displays including the victory over Pirates and a 3-0 triumph over SuperSport United.

Ribeiro has played a major role in Sundowns’ success with the player currently topping the PSL scoring charts with nine goals with teammate Iqraam Rayners currently second on the list.

In addition to their great form in the PSL, Sundowns have also qualified for the knockout stages of the CAF Champions League and have advanced in the Nedbank Cup.

Lucas Ribeiro has been in great form for Mamelodi Sundowns.
Mamelodi Sundowns star Lucas Ribeiro is the top scorer in the PSL. Image: Masandawana.
Source: Twitter

Fans praise Ribeiro

Local football fans reacted on social media by praising Ribeiro, saying the player is a safe bet to win the PSL Footballer of the Season.

Patrick T Lusane is a fan:

“Absolute class! His technique is marvellous, it shows his football was developed elsewhere, he scores from very tight angles as far as our SA football is concerned. Sundowns seems to be destined to win the league 10 times in a row, which is not good for our football.”

Read also

Sundowns Must Hold On! Miguel Cardoso Urges Club to Keep Red-Hot Star

Mokete Mngomezulu said Ribeiro stood out:

“He took the ball in the centre all the way to score while Tito was looking for the ball to stand on it.”

Wisey Mgabadeli admires Ribeiro:

“He is class.”

Dorcus Manku backs Ribeiro to win a top prize:

“Player of the month already. Only injury can stop him from being the player of the season.”

Thabanie Mabaso says Ribeiro must stay in the PSL:

“Those who say he must go overseas are crazy. Our league needs players like this to be taken seriously.”

Thembinkosi Lorch leaves Mamelodi Sundowns

As reported by Briefly News, winger Thembinkosi Lorch has left Mamelodi Sundowns to join Wydad on a six-month loan.

Lorch will be reunited with former coach Rulanui Mokwena who was with the player at Orlando Pirates and Sundowns before moving to Morocco’s most successful side.

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Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Junior Bester avatar

Junior Bester (Sports Editor) Junior Bester is the current Entertainment (Sports) Writer at Briefly News. He achieved a ND:Journalism at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in 2012. He worked for Independent Newspapers from 2011 till 2022 covering news, sport, business and entertainment for titles such as Weekend Argus, Cape Argus, Daily Voice and Northern News. Junior passed a set of trainings by Google News Initiative. He joined Briefly News in 2024. You can reach him at junior.bester@briefly.co.za