Nuno Santos Shines Wearing Sundowns’ Number 10 Jersey

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Nuno Santos scored a brace as Sundowns defeated Saint-Eloi Lupopo 3-1 in their CAF Champions League group stage opener at Loftus Stadium on Saturday. The Portuguese playmaker has opened up about the significance of wearing the club’s number 10 jersey, previously donned by Lucas Ribeiro Costa.

Santos set the tone with a well-taken first goal, putting Sundowns ahead before the visitors equalized on the stroke of halftime. He then assisted Marcelo Allende for the second goal and sealed the victory with a headed effort in the 77th minute. His performance highlighted the influence of a player wearing the number 10, recalling the impact of Ribeiro Costa.

“I’m very honoured to wear this number,” Santos said after the match. “It is a number I have always loved since I started playing football, and it is really good for me and the club to give me the opportunity. I know about the history of the number in the club as well, and I am very happy, of course.”

Santos’ standout display demonstrated why the number 10 is reserved for a key creative force in Sundowns’ squad. Attention now shifts to Friday’s crucial CAF Champions League clash against MC Alger in Algeria, with Rulani Mokwena’s men looking to respond after losing their opening group stage match away to Al Hilal.