Mamelodi Sundowns star Lucas Ribeiro Costa says he is thriving under the tactical system of Manqoba Mnqgtihi which provides him with more creative freedom.
The Brazilian has been in sublime form since the start of the 2024/25 season, as the key figure the team is built around.
Playing in a hybrid 10, right inside forward role, it slightly altered from the false nine, or advanced forward position he occupied last season.
“Well, this season, with the help of coach Manqoba, who I have sincere respect for and appreciation for the work he’s been doing towards me personally and the team,” Costa tells iDiski Times.
“I am liberated, playing with freedom and enjoying my football. I enjoy the role and it’s the role I wanted I played a few games in Belgium, as a 10. It gives me a lot of freedom to see the game from different angles and it makes me happy.
Join the iDiski Times WhatsApp Channel for all latest SA football news directly to your phone.
“I am happy, there’s so much work being done behind the scenes, advice from the coach and what has been done and off the pitch is just conversations with mutual respect between myself, the technical team and the coach.
“It’s great, and I hope to continue like this so we can improve from the level we’re at as a team and also improve our output.”
The 26-year-old has scored seven goals with five assists in 13 games across all competitions this season.
