Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Clayton Daniels has offered his take on the signing of two Portuguese players, Nuno Santos and Miguel Reisinho, by Miguel Cardoso, as the Tshwane giants seek answers to their CAF Champions League faults.
Masandawana lifted their only Champions League trophy in 2016 and have been ending their campaigns in the knockouts since then. Last season’s defeat by Pyramids FC in the final was the major highlight of their near misses.
For all the heavy investments in player recruitment, with South America being their biggest hunting ground for talent, it has not paid off for Sundowns in Africa.
Portuguese coach Miguel Cardoso brought in his compatriots Nuno Santos and Reisinho in the last transfer window. The midfielders, both 26, arrived at Chloorkop with expectations high on them to help Sundowns dominate on the continent.
In the five games he has played for Sundowns, Nuno Santos has managed a goal and an assist, while Reisinho has a goal in two appearances. Their impact has been in the Champions League, a tournament they are playing in for the first time in their careers.
DANIELS SHARES THOUGHTS ON PORTUGUESE ARRIVALS
“The two players, Miguel and Nuno, are very good players. They have a lot of energy, a lot of individual brilliance. They fit in well, and they will do well; they will take the team to the next level, like what [Marcelo] Allende has been doing for the past years,” Daniels told FARPost.
“Like all the other boys that came in, you know, the team grows, and also our players in South Africa can learn from them. The level they are bringing in.”
Over the years, Sundowns have been big in the transfer market, looking for players to add depth to their squad as they try to balance responsibilities between the Champions League and domestic commitments.
That has brought in stiff competition for game time, something Daniels is familiar with.
“One thing I learnt when I was at Sundowns, you are only as good as your last game because there is a lot of good quality. Good competition everyday at training,” added Daniels.
“There is no time to sleep in your position because the next one is ready to come in and take your position. That’s the type of competition at Sundowns for each player to step up his game.
“Everytime when you get an opportunity, you must perform. The stronger the squad, the higher the competition, but the better it is for the club.
“They are preparing for the Champions League, and you need a big squad. They are playing CAF, and then there is the PSL. The squad must be big, and the new players can only add value to the group.”
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