Cardoso opens up on ‘irreplaceable’ Ribeiro’s continued absence 

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has provided an update on the missing Lucas Ribeiro, who is yet to feature for the club this season.

Sundowns have played four games this season but the PSL player of the Season has been missing with news going round that he is out of the country trying to secure a big-money move from the club.

The Brazilian playmaker has been missed by Sundowns, who have not been breaking down teams with ease as they had been doing with him in the side, and it appears his days at the club are over.

Ribeiro admits Ribeiro cannot be replaced

Commenting on Ribeiro’s absence, Cardoso admitted no player can replace Ribeiro, even after Arthur Sales has impressed on the right wing that last season’s PSL Golden Boot Winner was playing in.

“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 after Sundowns’ 1-1 draw with Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 semi-final first leg on Saturday.

“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.

Can Sundowns cope without the Brazilian?

“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.”

It remains to be seen how Sundowns will react to Ribeiro’s departure as he had been key part of their success in the last two years.