With Lucas Ribeiro Costa reportedly in discussion with suitors and on his way out of Mamelodi Sundowns, KickOff looks at where the side will miss him the most based on last season.
Ribeiro was missing from the matchday squad as Sundowns thrashed Richards Bay FC 4-0 in a MTN8 quarterfinal over the weekend, with head coach Miguel Cardoso providing less-than-convincing answers on his absence, along with the likes of Khuliso Mudau and Peter Shalulile.
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The latter pair are also said to be seeking greener pastures.
With the new season already getting underway this weekend, as the Tshwane giants begin the defence of their title away to Chippa United, they won't have much time to find a potential replacement for Ribeiro, a like-for-like replacement who could hit the ground running, even though the transfer window only closes on 22 September.
Named the 2024/25 Footballer of the Season, Players' Player of the Season and Top Goal-scorer, the 26-year-old played a pivotal role last term, particularly in the league.
His 16 goals represented 25 percent of all club goals, as The Brazilians netted an overall 65 in 28 Betway Premiership games.
It is in the league where the left-footed attacker’s presence was felt, as he was not as influential in other competitions, such as the CAF Champions League, where the reigning PSL Footballer of the Season only scored three goals up to the final.
His three goals marked a 17% contribution to the team’s overall tally, after the side found the back of the net 17 times in the Champions League.
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He also scored only one goal in the Carling Knockout, where they lost to Magesi FC in the final, making a goal contribution of 8% after the side rippled the net 12 times in total.
Photo: Dirk Kotze/Gallo Images
