Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi says he is happy with how Arthur Sales is contributing to the team and there’s a lot to come from him as time passes. 

The 22-year-old Brazilian striker finally got his first goal for the Bafana Ba Style in their 3-0 victory on Saturday against Sekhukhune United at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. 

Sales has been struggling to score goals for the Tshwane giants but at least managed two assists last month in their victory against Polokwane City. He also scored his first goal on Saturday through a penalty in the second half. 

The former Lommel SK talisman also won the Man of the Match award in their game against Babina Noko. Mngqithi was impressed with Sales’ performance and even said he would contribute a lot to the Brazilians this season. “What we wish to see him contributing towards us winning matches,” Mngqithi said when he was asked by Sportswire after their 3-0 victory against Sekhukhune United. 

“Whether he scores himself, assists, or gets a secondary assist, that is what is more important to us than focusing on nearly on goals because sometimes he might not get as many goals but if he gets as many assists as he is already got two assists [we will be happy]. 

“That should be very positive to us that at least he is moving towards the right direction. The adaptation process sometimes takes longer than anticipated. 

“The other thing we tend to forget sometimes is that he is still a young boy, he’s 22 years old. His growth and development I think is so much on how we push him and train him and make sure that we get to understand where exactly he will finally help us. “I was impressed with how he was operating today [Saturday] from the channels. I think he can still do more, and there’s a lot more expected from him.” 

Following Sundowns’ victory on Saturday, the Brazilians have moved to first place in the Betway Premiership. The former Golden Arrows coach added that it is too early to be happy with the first-place position now but happy with how his team is performing. “Our focus at this stage is not on whether we are on top of the log or not,” Mngqithi added. 

 “It’s more on looking at our cycle whether we are achieving our targets or not. We achieved our targets in the first cycle, we are close to achieving our targets in the second cycle. “So, that looks positive for us because our main way of looking at this thing is to try and just respect that process, and make sure that we don’t get carried away. 

“I think the boys are responding the way we would love them to respond. I even remember when we got 71 points, the first time we got 71 points, on our first cycle we only got seven points and this time we got 12 points. 

 “Now we are close to achieving what should be our target for the cycle. So, I’m excited about that because it says the process is still within what we would want to achieve. 

“So, that is the most encouraging thing. As for the position, at this stage of the season, I don’t think it’s the most important thing because it can cause you a lot of pressure when it keeps changing, and end up thinking that you are not doing well. So far I’m happy with how the team has progressed.” 

The Brazilians will now play their next league game on 18 December against Stellenbosch FC. Mngqithi’s side will first face the two Moroccan giants AS FAR and Raja Club Athletic in the CAF Champions League before facing Stellies.