Cardoso on Sundowns star: ‘Let’s hope the club keeps him for long’

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has singled out a key player of his side that he wishes the club holds onto for the long term.

Cardoso was speaking after their 3-0 victory over SuperSport United in the Betway Premiership clash on Wednesday evening at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium.

The former Esperance coach emphasised the importance of cultivating the right mindset within the team.

He specifically mentioned his one-on-one conversations with Lucas Ribeiro, highlighting the Brazilian forward’s potential for further improvement and stating that he could reach even greater heights.

The Portuguese coach expressed his desire for the club to retain the services of the 26-year-old left-footed player.

MIGUEL CARDOSO HOPES SUNDOWNS CAN KEEP LUCAS RIBEIRO FOR SOME TIME

“One of the things I said to Lucas [Ribeiro] when I arrived here, knowing that he was in good form in the league, was to try to tell him that there are always things that can be done,” said Cardoso.

“Try to make him understand that ambition he should have to try and develop himself should be present every day in his life.

“We work hard on the mindset of the players, a lot. We work hard on that. And I think the message is [for all] of them. With commitment, hard work, a strong mindset on getting better, respect and waking up every day thinking that this is the day to do my best. 

“Lucas can go. We need to profit as much as possible while we can from him, and let’s hope the club can keep him for long because he’s a very important player.”

This is the second season for Ribeiro in the PSL, having joined Sundowns at the start of the 2023/24 season. This season, he has scored ten goals and provided nine assists across 26 appearances in all competitions.

RELATED STORY: Matthews bags brace as Sundowns clash Tshwane Derby bragging rights