Sales steps up as Sundowns plot life without Ribeiro

MIGUEL Cardoso may be right in warning against Arthur Sales being compared to his Brazilian compatriot Lucas Ribeiro. The coach of Mamelodi Sundowns has been fielding questions about the lanky attacker's role on the right side of the field where the talismanic Ribeiro used to play.

- MATSHELANE MAMABOLO

Given his impressive showing last season, which saw him cleaning up at the end-of-season PSL awards, Ribeiro has become such hot property that he is being chased by clubs in his native Brazil as well as some in the oil-rich Arab world. He is yet to play for the Brazilians this season and, while Chloorkop has not officially confirmed his departure, the writing is clearly on the wall that Sundowns are going to have to start life without Ribeiro.

In his absence, Cardoso has used Sales on the right side of the field and the younger Brazilian has so far impressed — providing some good assists in the opening matches of the season.