Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has admitted that Lucas Ribeiro Costa remains an unforgettable part of the club’s history, describing him as a player who was sorely missed in their defeat to Golden Arrows at the King Zwelithini Stadium.

Cardoso acknowledged that Costa, last season’s standout performer, often unlocked stubborn defenses on his own—something the Sundowns lacked in Wednesday’s loss.

“Lucas is a wonderful memory for us, but we must now build a new team for the future,” Cardoso said.

Lucas Ribeiro Costa’s Legacy at Sundowns

The Brazilian forward was undoubtedly Sundowns’ best player last season, frequently stepping up in difficult matches. His ability to create and finish chances earned him multiple accolades, including:

• PSL Footballer of the Season
• Players’ Player of the Season
• PSL Top Goalscorer

However, Costa’s departure from Sundowns was controversial. He took the club to FIFA in a contractual dispute and was eventually allowed to leave.

Costa, who joined Sundowns in 2023 from Belgian side Beveren, accused the club of blocking transfer opportunities. With the help of renowned Belgian lawyer Jean-Louis Dupont—famous for the Lassana Diarra case—Costa secured a move to Spanish second-division club Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa.

It remains unclear whether Sundowns received a transfer fee. Cardoso has since emphasized that Costa’s chapter at the club is closed: “He is history now, and we must look ahead.”

Cardoso’s Rebuilding Plans

In response to Costa’s exit, Cardoso has turned to the Portuguese market. The club recently signed Nuno Santos, who impressed off the bench against Golden Arrows, and is close to completing a deal for Miguel Reisinho.

Still, the Sundowns coach insists Costa cannot be replaced directly:

“No player will substitute Lucas. We are not looking for a replacement, but rather to strengthen the team in a different way. Every player has unique characteristics, and Lucas was very particular.”

A New Era for Mamelodi Sundowns

Cardoso is confident about Sundowns’ future, suggesting the team may now evolve into a more collective unit.

“Lucas was a player who solved problems alone. In games like today’s, he would have made the difference,” Cardoso admitted. “But we cannot live in the past. The focus now is on welcoming every player, getting the best from them, and developing as a team.”

Cardoso believes the true achievement this season will be successfully reorganizing the squad and laying the foundation for long-term growth.

“The most important trophy this season will be rebuilding and growing this team into something new and stronger than before.”