Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Nuno Santos has shared insights on how he has managed to quickly settle down at Chloorkop.
The 26-year-old joined Sundowns during the last PSL transfer window, arriving from Liga Portugal side Vitoria Guimaraes SC.
While he is yet to be influential in the four appearances he has made in the Betway Premiership and one in the Carling Knockout Cup, he has made an immediate impact in the CAF Champions League. Three goals and two assists in three games in the continental tournament have renewed hopes that Masandawana could end a drought in this competition.
By joining Sundowns, it was the first time for Nuno Santos to play for an African club, and he is now flourishing in the Champions League despite having no previous experience in the tournament.
NUNO SANTOS ON HOW HE HAS ADJUSTED AT SUNDOWNS
The presence of compatriots in Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso and fellow midfielder Miguel Reisinho has helped the Portuguese star settle in.
“It’s very different, I’m trying to adapt as fast as I can. Obviously, I still have to grow in those types of moments. But I think I’m doing pretty well,” Nuno Santos said. “It has an influence, of course, because with a Portuguese coach it’s easier. In Portugal, in Europe, there are not too many players who come to South Africa.
“To have a Portuguese coach who speaks the same language, he can advise me about how things are here. It was more easier for me.”
There is also Brazilian striker Arthur Sales, who is fluent in Portuguese, and that has helped Nuno Santos to adapt.
WHAT LURED NUNO SANTOS TO SUNDOWNS?
The midfielder, who has had a previous stint in Major League Soccer [MLS] for Charlotte FC, also opened up on why he chose to join Sundowns.
“Better than I thought, they welcomed me very well. I’m thankful to all the people who made me feel at home since I came,” added Nuno Santos. “This is the biggest club in South Africa, one of the biggest in Africa. I felt like the club really wanted me, so when you feel like that, it’s way easier to make those types of decisions. So far, so good.
“I want to win everything. I am a person who always thinks about the next game and not so much about the future. The goal is there, and the mind is there, but game by game we will get there.”
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