Miguel Cardoso Speaks on Nuno Santos, Reisinho Replacing Lucas Ribeiro at Mamelodi Sundowns
- Miguel Cardoso has come out to explain why Nuno Santos and Miguel Reisinho are not direct replacements for Lucas Ribeiro
- The Mamelodi Sundowns head coach brought in the two European midfielders from Portugal after the departure of Ribeiro in the summer
- The Portuguese tactician's explanation sparked different opinions from fans on social media
Don't miss out! Join Briefly News Sports channel on WhatsApp now!
Miguel Cardoso has opened up about summer signings Nuno Santos and Miguel Reisinho as direct replacements for Lucas Ribeiro Costa, who left Mamelodi Sundowns in the summer.
Source: Getty Images
The South American forward left the Brazilians after his top-notch performance last season, which earned him the Premier Soccer League Footballer of the Season award, as well as the highest goalscorer award. He dragged the PSL giants to FIFA over a contract issue before leaving.
Santos joined Masandawana in the summer from the Portuguese league, the same as Reisinho, who reportedly came on a free transfer.
Cardoso discusses Santos and Reisinho replacing Ribeiro
Cardoso explained that he preferred not to single out individual performances, noting that while Nuno Santos and Miguel Reisinho were not expected to replace Lucas Ribeiro directly, they could still add important quality to the squad.
He stressed that coaches rely heavily on quality, and when it is available, the job becomes easier. This season, however, Sundowns have faced challenges, not because of a lack of players, but because of several traumatic injuries.
He added that it was encouraging to see other players raising their levels to meet the high demands and expectations placed on the team. According to Cardoso, the most important thing is that the dressing room understands the need to stay focused from the first whistle to the last.
Source: Twitter
He highlighted that intensity and persistence are essential, and when the team fails to apply those elements correctly, they become vulnerable, as seen when they nearly conceded due to poor pressing. Cardoso emphasised that complacency had no place in the Champions League and revealed that those issues had been addressed at halftime.
He was pleased with the team’s response in the second half, describing the performance as impressive, even calling it a "beautiful game."
Sundowns will now shift their focus to their next CAF Champions League match, where they will travel to face MC Alger, who are led by their former head coach, Rulani Mokwena.
Here is what fans have been saying about Cardoso's submission on Santos and Reisinho replacing Ribeiro at Sundowns on social media.
B a nkosi said:
"No one replaces another. We replace the score sheet with wins."
Olayi Theophilus wrote:
"This thing of Costa is boring."
Mlu Thabethe KaSibeko shared:
"Again, another wrong question. Different players and you can't compare, Nuno and Reisinho are more of ball players and not dribbling wcommentedzards."
Irvine Siziba commented:
"This thing about Ribeiro is irritating, really. We appreciate what he did for us, and we have moved on. Those who want info about him can follow him on his socials and leave us in peace."
Alberson Albert added:
"Those who liked Ribero must follow his page and stop making noise for us. We have a winning team, and we don't miss Ribero, and we won't even miss his supporters. They must feel free to go and join him and start supporting the team that he plays for."
Cardoso on Sundowns' dream of winning CAFCL
Briefly News also reported that Miguel Cardoso shared his thoughts on Mamelodi Sundowns' obsession tag to winning the CAF Champions League.
The Portuguese coach made the comments ahead of the Brazilians' clash with Lupopo.
Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
