Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso says he’s not the right person to speak about Lucas Ribeiro Costa’s absence but is happy with the recent displays of Arthur Sales in the front-three.
Sales has stepped up to start in every game this season with Ribeiro said to be out the country as he looks to make a move to Qatar SC in this current window, with a lucrative package on offer.
The Brazilian was questioned by sections of supporters due to his hefty price tag, but appears to be growing into an influential member of the squad with their talisman, who won the Premier Soccer League Footballer of the Season, appears to be gone for good.
“Nobody should compare any player that will play right winger, or whatever position he is, out or in field – nobody should compare two players, you cannot make a [duplicate] of one player who is not at the moment with the team,” Cardoso said about Sales stepping up when asked by iDiski Times about his displays.
“I don’t think it’s up to me to give answers to the question of Lucas, for sure, in the proper time will know everything that has happened with him – but regarding Arthur? He’s giving a good answer, he’s doing very well.
“He’s showing dynamism, he’s showing what the team wants in that position, bringing his game to help the team and as I said nobody should expect one player to replace another – it’s just one player who is playing the same position as another player.
“So the game will become different, but we will have to use the characteristics that we have from Arthur he is showing – that he’s being better and better, match after match – so let’s hope he can stabalise his performance in a very high level as a player we trust.”
Sales has scored 10 goals with 12 assists in 45 games for Sundowns since his arrival from Belgian club SK Lommel.
