Arthur Sales Turning the Corner at Sundowns After Shaky Start

Brazilian striker Arthur Sales has begun to find his feet at Mamelodi Sundowns after a tough introduction to South African football, and his recent performances suggest he could become a crucial part of the Tshwane giants’ attacking force.

The 22-year-old arrived in South Africa in July 2024, having left a European club to join the DStv Premiership champions. Expectations were high, but Sales initially struggled to make an impact. After joining the club under then-coach Manqoba Mngqithi, Sales managed only a handful of goals during the early stages of the campaign, raising concerns over whether he could adapt to the physical and tactical demands of the local game.

Now under the guidance of head coach Miguel Cardoso, the tide seems to be turning. Sales has scored nine goals in 36 appearances across all competitions this season, with three of those goals coming in his last two outings — a clear sign of growing confidence and tactical cohesion within the team.

Speaking on Metro FM, Cardoso admitted that his first impressions of Sales weren’t positive. “When I arrived, he was coming from an injury and another thing, playing in South Africa and in Belgium is not the same,” Cardoso said. “Believe me, in the beginning, I said, ‘This guy, I don’t like him, I don’t like the way he trains.’ But I kept loving him, I had to believe in him.”

Cardoso’s honest reflections revealed that it took time for both player and coach to adjust. “We had to understand what kind of behaviour we want from him on the pitch and how to build the team not around him, but complement him more. I think at the moment, we’re having a wonderful tool in him.”

Sales’ versatility has also been highlighted by the coaching staff, who initially saw him as a traditional number nine. However, his growing ability to press aggressively, work off the ball, and contribute to the team’s structure has given Cardoso more options in his tactical setup.

The competition for places at Sundowns is fierce, with strikers like Lucas Ribeiro Costa, Peter Shalulile, and Iqraam Rayners all vying for minutes. This depth has pushed Sales to elevate his performances, knowing that consistency is the only way to secure a regular place in the starting eleven.

Looking ahead, Sales has a golden opportunity to leave a lasting impression. He is yet to find the net in the CAF Champions League, but with Sundowns set to host Egyptian giants Pyramids in the first leg of the final on May 24, the Brazilian will be eager to open his account in the biggest match of the season.

Before that, Sundowns take on Magesi FC in the DStv Premiership this Sunday — another chance for Sales to continue his goalscoring form and further stake his claim as a future star for Masandawana.

If his current trajectory continues, Arthur Sales could well prove to be one of the club’s smartest acquisitions in recent memory.