Mamelodi Sundowns striker Arthur Sales has sent a strong message, vowing to fight to reclaim his place in the team after returning from injury amid increased competition upfront.
Speaking to journalists at Chloorkop on Wednesday, the 24-year-old appeared confident as he seeks to be a regular starter again. The Brazilian attacker made his first appearance in a competitive match this season with a cameo five-minute role during the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup against Al Ahli SC just before the international break.
This came after he missed pre-season with a shoulder injury, which he has since recovered from. Sales is now in line to be selected for Saturday’s MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
It is a high-stakes game in which he would be keen to feature and deliver a statement performance that would see coach Miguel Cardoso making him a regular starter. After playing against Al Ahli, Sales had a further three weeks to work on his fitness into a shape that could see Cardoso trusting him with more minutes on the pitch.
COMPETITION FOR ARTHUR SALES IN SUNDOWNS ATTACK
Sales returns to find winter signings Cassius Mailula and Siyanda Ndlovu having established themselves as reliable players in Cardoso’s side. But the Brazilian, who can play as a centre-forward or as a wideman, has vowed to muscle his way back into the team.
“I think it’s a problem for the coach [his return from injury], so I need to do my job. It’s also good for the coach: new players, new skills, different profiles,” Sales told the media.
“I think we need adaptation for the match. I need to, of course, fight every day at training also because I lost a little bit of my space because of my injury.
“I need to fight again; I think I have this one to do. I just need to show my football, show my talent at training and games, maybe he can use me.”
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