Miguel Cardoso keen to bolster attack after Lucas Ribeiro exit | OneFootball

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Cardoso anticipates extra signings to fill Ribeiro void

Photo: Lefty Shivambu/ Gallo Images

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso says he expects extra signings to bolster the attacking department following the departure of Lucas Ribeiro Costa.

The Brazilian talisman forced his way out of Chloorkop, joining Spanish second division side CYD Leonesa on a free transfer, citing the Diarra Law.

Since his exit, the Tshwane giants have somewhat lacked the cutting edge in front of goal, constituting to a slugging start to the 2025/26 campaign.

Now, with the PSL transfer window set to slam shut on Monday, 22 September, the Downs mentor anticipates new arrivals in the frontline.

“I expect so [to have new signings]. Of course, it’s clear that the team needs extra energy in the front, extra quality. We lost important resources from last year; it’s only one name but his name has a lot of impact on the team,” said Cardoso.

“It’s clear that we are still trying to find the right connections in order to develop collectively the capacity to arrive there. We believe so much in our players but some of them are very young, and they cannot cope with the responsibility to carry a team like Mamelodi Sundowns that has to win every match.

While Cardoso has been trying different combinations to fill the void left by Ribeiro, he stressed the significance of reinforcing the attack, highlighting the competitive nature of the local league and the looming CAF Champions League.

“Obviously we are dependent now on the solutions that we have, and we are trying to be creative, we trust the players. We believe that we have more than enough conditions to continue to win but PSL teams reinforce themselves a lot that the competition is very hard,” the Portuguese tactician added.

“If we can get the right players, we are going to move in terms of being stronger even because there is Champions League approaching and to play a Champions League group stage – the level rises, and we need to be up to the level of course.