Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso may have just given the clearest indication yet that star attacker Lucas Ribeiro’s time at Chloorkop could be over.
Ribeiro, last season’s Betway Premiership Footballer of the Season, has been heavily linked with moves to Brazil and Qatar following his outstanding performances both domestically and at the FIFA Club World Cup.
His absence from Sundowns’ first three matches of the 2025/26 season has only fueled speculation over his next move.
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Speaking to the media at the PSL headquarters, Cardoso appeared to refer to Ribeiro in the past tense while explaining squad selection decisions, even hinting that fellow Brazilian Arthur Sales may have taken his place.
“Before there was Lucas Ribeiro,” Cardoso said when discussing his right-sided attacking options.
“And there’s also Kutlwano Lethlaku. And in the front, he’s not playing because there’s Iqraam Rayners and Peter Shalulile. So when people ask, ‘Put this one,’ and when a player asks, ‘Put me to play,’ he should understand that he’s saying, ‘I’m better than the ones also that are on these places.’”
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Cardoso stressed the importance of proving oneself in training, using other players such as Thapelo Maseko, Siyabonga Mabena, and Tashreeq Matthews as examples of how competition for places is determined.
While the coach never explicitly confirmed Ribeiro’s departure, the shift in language and the emphasis on Sales’ role suggest that Sundowns could already be preparing for life without their prolific attacker.
It remains to be seen if Ribeiro might return and play for Sundowns later, if a transfer away is ultimately not established.
