Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has likened his new talisman Lucas Ribeiro to two prominent Brazil international superstars.
Ribeiro, 24, joined Masandawana on a five-year-deal from Belgian Challenger Pro League outfit SK Beveren in July.
The exciting Brazilian prospect has already hit the ground running and set the DStv Premiership scene alight – scoring six goals and providing two assists in eight appearances across all competitions.
Ahead of their blockbuster encounter against Orlando Pirates on Wednesday night, Mokwena provided a detailed analysis of Ribeiro’s impact – saying he possesses qualities like Robinho and Brazil’s record goal scorer Neymar.
“Lucas has qualities that you can’t coach or improve as a coach, they are there, and they are there because they are God-given,” Mokwena told the media in Choorkop this week.
“He is Brazilian and lots of people don’t understand when I say there is a difference between skill and flair. A lot of South American players have flair, and you see it with Lucas.
“It is not skill, but flair – there is an element of elegance, and he possesses that. But I also think there is a lot of improvement, like with all the players we have at the club.
“All the players at Sundowns know we sit every day for corrections of training sessions and of matches.
“We even correct small things like body language, and it is crazy, but that is the space we operate in. I think there is still more [to come] for Lucas.”
Mokwena will undoubtably be banking on Ribeiro and returning goalscoring machine Peter Shalulile to be clinical in front of goal when they visit Pirates.
Kick-off is at 7.30pm at the Orlando Stadium.
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