TIPPED to replace Brazilian Lucas Ribeiro, Portuguese midfielder Nuno Santos has adapted seamlessly at Mamelodi Sundowns, carrying the team through individual performances both in domestic and continental competitions on the continent. Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Nuno Santos is beginning to understand what African football truly demands, and the Portuguese playmaker admits the CAF Champions League has already reshaped his perspective of the game. Santos arrived at Chloorkop at the start of the season from Vitória de Guimarães, stepping into unfamiliar territory after spending his career in Europe.
Just months into his African journey, the 29-year-old has quickly left his mark on the continent’s premier club competition. In 10 appearances across all competitions, Santos has scored three goals and provided two assists — all of them coming in the CAF Champions League. He opened his Sundowns account against Remo Stars before announcing himself emphatically with a brace against DR Congo side St Eloi Lupopo, moments that underlined his growing influence in Miguel Cardoso’s side. Beyond the numbers, Santos says it is the intensity of the competition that has stood out most.
