Lucas Ribeiro’s disciplinary record a worry for Mamelodi Sundowns

Ribeiro returned from serving a one-match suspension against Polokwane City, a Betway Premiership clash Downs lost 1-0 last weekend, but got himself in trouble midweek when The Brazilians beat Cape Town City 3-0 at Loftus.

Mngqithi admitted concern over the forward’s disciplinary record.

"I'd say it's a big concern for all of us that he somehow finds a way to get a booking, even when it was difficult for him to get a booking because the tackle that he made just on the line was very unnecessary," Mngqithi said.

"Sometimes, you must know if you are working with South Americans, they think differently and they give everything to the game, which sometimes exposes them to such cautions."

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The Sundowns mentor revealed there’s been conversations with Ribeiro about the five yellow cards in 10 matches so far this season.

"Yes, we are concerned and we've personally had maybe three or four one one-on-ones with him because I really want him to understand and I think he has improved in some instances because he was very emotional before but I think he's really improving because it could have been easy for referees to always take him out,” the coach explained.

“I'm seeing good progress but there's still a lot of work to do. I think even other members of the club are trying their best to help us with players like Lucas because we know how important they are and it hurts us when they are not in the team because of cautions that maybe were not necessary."

Mngqithi was also asked about the limited game time for winger Kobamelo Kodisang, who was the club’s first signing this season but has only featured in four matches from all competitions.

"I think he's adapting quite well, it's just that it's a very difficult environment this. When he gets the few opportunities that he got, I was happy with him. We gave him a chance against Mbabane Swallows, he scored and he had an assist,” he added.

“We gave him a chance against Polokwane [City] which I think he also played quite well and I think he's very close to establishing himself within the PSL. He's a very good football player, we brought him because we know what he's capable of but it's just that it's quite tough."