Sales makes bold Ribeiro challenge ahead of new season

Mamelodi Sundowns‘ versatile attacker Arthur Sales is among the club’s players who played all games in the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup.

The Premier Soccer League champions were placed in Group F alongside Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan HD, and Fluminense. They ended up their campaign with four points with the South American and European outfits making the knockout phase.

Sales, who joined Sundowns at the beginning of the 2024/25 season, insists they have to show next season why they took part in the competition.

Sales ready to emulate Ribeiro

The 22-year-old has further lauded his teammate Lucas Ribeiro, stating he has a great personality on and off the pitch. The 27-year-old scored and assisted in the three Club World Cup matches he played in the United States.

“We’re going to be stronger in the new season. We’ve learnt too many things at the Club World Cup. We need to show why we played at the Club World Cup by playing better next season,” Sales told the media.

“It’s difficult to talk about Lucas Ribeiro because he’s not only a big player, but he’s got a big personality as well. I stay with this guy every day and he’s good at everything; he’s always smiling, joking and we all know that he’s brilliant on the field. When you watch him you say, ‘wow this guy is different, I want this level.’ He’s a brilliant player and a brilliant friend as well,” he concluded.

In his debut season in South Africa, Sales scored nine goals across all competitions and provided 10 assists.