Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Lucas Ribeiro insists he is thriving under coach Manqoba Mngqithi as opposed to his predecessor Rulani Mokwena.
The Brazilian joined the defending Premier Soccer League champions at the beginning of 2023/24 under the now Wydad Athletic club coach. He played a total of 37 games across all competitions and contributed 16 goals and nine assists.
In his debut season, the 26-year-old won the Premier Soccer League title and the inaugural African Football League.
After the exit of Mokwena, Mngqithi took over and opted to play Ribeiro in the number 10 role, giving him the freedom to move freely in the danger zone. As a result, Ribeiro has scored seven goals and provided five assists in just 12 matches played in all tournaments.
‘I am liberated' – Ribeiro
“Well, this season, with the help of coach Manqoba, who I have sincere respect for and appreciation for the work he’s been doing towards me personally and the team,” the South American told iDiski Times.
“I am liberated, playing with freedom and enjoying my football. I enjoy the role and it’s the role I wanted. I played a few games in Belgium, as a 10. It gives me a lot of freedom to see the game from different angles and it makes me happy.
“I am happy, there’s so much work being done behind the scenes, advice from the coach and what has been done and off the pitch is just conversations with mutual respect between myself, the technical team, and the coach,” Ribeiro continued.
“It’s great, and I hope to continue like this so we can improve from the level we’re at as a team and also improve our output.”
Mngqithi hopes Ribeiro will play a vital role in helping his team deliver the Caf Champions League title, the PSL and other crowns this season.
