Midfield marvel Santos can redefine Mamelodi Sundowns’ attack as club embraces Portuguese connection

Mamelodi Sundowns welcomed their new Portuguese gem, Nuno Santos, with open arms, and he repaid their faith in style.

The 26-year-old attacking midfielder, who joined from Vitória Guimarães SC for a reported R20 million, made his mark on the field at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, leading the team to an uplifting victory over Richards Bay.

Santos, who made a cameo appearance last week against Golden Arrows, was handed his first start on Saturday and showcased why he is considered a valuable addition to the squad. Earning the Player of the Match award, he delivered a stellar performance that included two significant assists with stunning long-distance passes, which resulted in goals.

In a post-match interview, Santos expressed heartfelt gratitude towards his teammates for their warm welcome.

Highlighting the support from fellow Portuguese-speaking players, Arthur Sales from Brazil, and Marcelo Allende from Chile, he said, “Everyone welcomed me the best way possible. I want to thank them all for that.”

This spirit of camaraderie is already evident as Santos settles into the squad, which showed significant improvement on Saturday. The midfielder's impressive statistics from last season, in which he featured in 51 matches and missed only one game, speak volumes about his reliability and stamina on the pitch.

His previous tenure at clubs like Paços de Ferreira, Boavista, and Moreirense has equipped him with the experience necessary for a smooth transition to the Betway Premiership.

Santos is known for his ability to score goals from outside the 18-yard box, which significantly enhances Sundowns’ offensive play. Many are eagerly anticipating how he will adapt to the South African style as he looks to showcase his talent and vision at a club with championship aspirations.

In addition to Santos’s arrival, Sundowns are preparing to unleash another Portuguese star shortly. Miguel Reisinho, a 26-year-old left-footed central midfielder, recently signed on a free transfer after departing from Boavista in July.

Having played 30 matches in the Liga Portugal last season and netted five goals, Reisinho brings versatile experience and formidable skills to the potential title contenders.

As Santos and Reisinho prepare for their upcoming challenges, supporters of Sundowns are left excited about the promising future ahead for the club, filled with new talent and opportunities.

Whether or not these stars can lead Sundowns to new heights remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the team is gearing up for an electrifying season with its dynamic new signings.