Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has revealed the conversation he had with Arthur Sales before handing the Brazilian forward his long-awaited return from injury against Al Ahli Jeddah.
Sales made his first appearance of the 2026/27 season in Sundowns’ 2-1 FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup victory over the Saudi Arabian giants on Saturday, having been sidelined with a shoulder injury.
The 24-year-old has established himself as an important figure at Sundowns since arriving from Belgian side SK Lommel in a reported €3.2-million transfer, contributing 15 goals and 18 assists in 85 appearances across his first two seasons at the club.
His return comes at an important stage for Cardoso, with Sundowns now heading into the FIFA international break. The Portuguese coach will have the opportunity to work with several players returning from injury or adapting to the demands of the club, including Sales and Nuno Santos, while also allowing new signings, Wandile Dube, Thabo Cele and Deano van Rooyen to build up their match fitness.
Cardoso admitted, however, that Sales is still some way from being physically ready to handle a full match at the highest intensity.
“I confess to you I spoke to Arthur and I told him, if I need to put you in the game in the second half and we go for extra-time, don’t be surprised if I take you out again,” Cardoso said.
“Arthur is able to play but not physically in conditions to handle 50 minutes in the highest level.
“So I had that talk with him and he said, ‘Coach, play me for five minutes. I will be on your services for whatever you need’. This is the spirit that will lead us and take us ahead.”
Sales’ brief involvement against Al Ahli nevertheless represents a significant boost for Sundowns, who have continued to navigate a demanding schedule while dealing with injuries and integrating new arrivals.
The international break now provides Cardoso and his technical team with valuable time to manage the returning players carefully, rather than immediately pushing them into consecutive high-intensity matches.
For Sales in particular, the objective will be to gradually increase his workload after missing the opening stages of the campaign, with Sundowns set to resume domestic and continental commitments after the break.
Sundowns will return to action with the MTN8 final on the horizon and their CAF Champions League second round qualifier as well as the CAF Super Cup and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, added to their domestic club action before the AFCON break.