Arthur Sales Earns Praise After Impressive Start to Mamelodi Sundowns Season

Arthur Sales has impressed Mamelodi Sundowns supporters and management with his start to the 2025/26 season. The Brazilian attacker has registered three goal contributions in as many games, stepping into a role previously held by Lucas Ribeiro Costa.

Ribeiro has yet to feature for the league champions this season due to transfer-related issues, creating an opportunity for Sales to take on more responsibility. Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso highlighted Sales’ impact following their 2-0 win over AmaZulu.

“I understood since last year that there is a lot of misunderstanding towards Arthur Sales and people shouting too much at him,” Cardoso said. “Arthur is a player that people shouldn’t compare to Lucas Ribeiro. There is no one that will ever be like Lucas Ribeiro on the pitch. Lucas is Lucas and Arthur is Arthur. Each player has his own characteristics.”

Cardoso praised Sales’ consistency and contribution since joining Sundowns. “Arthur is a very good player, very good player that arrived in South Africa and was not given the attention and credit that he deserves. I think people are now gradually starting to understand. If you look at his numbers and his impact last year when he entered the pitch, always giving goals and assists, I think Arthur was already important.”

The 22-year-old has played 45 matches for Sundowns, registering 22 goal contributions, which averages to a goal or assist every second game. Cardoso noted Sales’ potential for further improvement.

“I think he is a little underrated in what he is capable of doing. Today we saw a fantastic second half from him. If he were a bit more clinical, he could have scored more than one goal. Arthur scores goals very easily and will continue to do so throughout the season like Peter or Iqraam Rayners. He also creates assists because he is very clever. He will become better as he understands South African football. He needs a chance to grow like the others and is already steps ahead in that process,” said Cardoso.

Sales was also the second most efficient attacker in minutes-per-goal/assist last season before Sundowns’ participation in the Club World Cup. His early-season form signals that he is set to play a pivotal role in Sundowns’ attacking lineup this term.