Sales not a replacement for Ribeiro: Cardoso

MAMELODI Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso believes Arthur Sales is a very good player who will be key to the club’s success — but he was quick to dispel any suggestion that the lanky forward is a direct replacement for his Brazilian compatriot Lucas Ribeiro.

- MATSHELANE MAMABOLO

The Portuguese coach essentially confirmed speculation that Ribeiro will be leaving the club while speaking to the media during the post-match press conference following their 2-0 Betway Premiership victory over AmaZulu on Tuesday night.

Ribeiro — the standout performer of last season and winner of both the Footballer of the Year and Players' Player of the Year awards, as well as the Golden Boot for the 2024/25 campaign — is believed to be heading to Qatar.

Sales played on the right-hand side, the very position where Ribeiro previously shone. But Cardoso was quick to play down any expectations or pressure being placed on the younger Brazilian.

“It's important that we understand one thing,” he said.