The versatile attacker played slightly more than a half-an-hour last weekend before being replaced by the Downs technical team.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi is convinced star attacker Lucas Ribeiro can be lethal and more effective if he stays focused during matches.
On Sunday, the Brazilians found the going tough against Polokwane City in the MTN8 quarter-final, a match Masandawana eventually won by a solitary goal. However, Ribeiro was replaced after just 32 minutes owing to frustrations due to calls going against him.
Ribeiro was a key player for coach Rulani Mokwena last season, where he played a total of 37 matches across all competitions with a return of 16 goals and nine assists.
‘There are some elements Ribeiro must change'
Mngqithi conceded Ribeiro is talented, but he will need to toughen up in the forthcoming assignments.
“There are a lot of positives in his game, I think he is still going to help us a lot, but there are also elements of his game that must change. Maybe that is what will help him to get other bigger opportunities in Europe,” the 53-year-old said in a presser.
“The good thing is that he works very hard and he is a team player but sometimes I think he tends to be consumed by the outside forces in the game and loses focus of the match. “Sometimes, when you have a player like that, it’s easy for the opposition to always poke them so that he gets out of the game.
“Because I do think he had a very good start, but immediately after those few fouls that were not given and the yellow card that he got, then he went back to his shell,” Mngqithi continued.
“It was difficult for him to come back. In terms of talent, no doubt he is one of the best players we have. But I still believe there is a lot of work to be done.”
What is expected from Ribeiro?
In the 2023/24 Premier Soccer League campaign, Riveiro scored 12 goals to finish third in the race for the Golden Boot.
Towering Orlando Pirates forward Tshegofatso Mabasa scored 16 to win the race while Iqraam Rayners managed to get 15.
Rayners has since joined Sundowns and will be competing for a starting berth with Ribeiro and other attackers.
The South American needs to improve his game to ensure he retains his spot in the starting team, especially after some quality arrivals.
