Mamelodi Sundowns forward Arthur Sales says he’s motivated to improve for the 2025/26 season and emulate the success of compatriot Lucas Ribeiro Costa.
The 22-year-old was signed from Belgian club SK Lommel at the start of the season and arrived with huge expectation as the club-record transfer in a deal reported to be around €3.2-million.
With nine goals and 10 assists in 42 games, his debut campaign has come with a mixed reception from supporters, with the player often used as in impact substitute for most of the season.
“In the beginning I started slow in the league, I had two injuries, and then I improved a little bit in the last few games, but we will be stronger next season, we learnt a lot here, got confidence being here,” he said.
“Having played Dortmund, Fluminense, at the Club World Cup… we need to show why we were here and play better next season.”
Sales, alongside Marcelo Allende have developed a close-knit bond with the South American contingent, which includes Costa, who is one of the favourites to win the Premier Soccer League Footballer of the Season.
He’s also managed to turn heads in the United States of America with his performances, which included a wonderful solo goal against Borussia Dortmund.
His directly contributed to 35 goals in 51 games in all competitions this season as an integral part of the Masandawana squad, and Sales could not express how important he’s been.
“It’s difficult to [describe] Lucas Ribeiro, he’s not only a big player, but a big personality also, I stay with this guy every day, travel so much, stay with him in the hotel too much with this guy – and then everything about him is good,” he said.
“He’s always smiling, joking, doing brilliant things on the pitch and when you watch this, you say wow, this guy is different, and me? I want this level, I want to be better – brilliant player, brilliant friend.”
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