While the focus might have been on Themba Zwane and his slow start to the season by his standards, there could be plans for Mamelodi Sundowns to build around another star this season, the Siya crew has learnt.
Following the Brazilians' 1-0 loss to Stellenbosch FC in their MTN8 first leg semi-final clash on Wednesday, head coach Manqoba Mngqithi had to answer on whether Zwane will start the second leg this weekend.
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So far this season, Mshishi has started on the bench in both matches under Mngqithi and came on as a substitute, against Polokwane City and Stellenbosch respectively.
While the 35-year-old remains an important member of Downs' squad, having recently been offered a one-year contract extension, indications are that the defending champions must have already started planning for life beyond the Bafana Bafana international.
According to well-placed sources, Zwane could be used as an impact player coming off the bench in most matches this season, with the team appearing to be planning around Lucas Ribeiro Costa to be the main man under Mngqithi.
The 25-year-old Brazilian has started both matches so far and is expected to play a key role in the second leg match at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday as Downs will be aiming to make it two MTN8 finals in a row by knocking Stellenbosch out.
"There is one player within the group that people should watch out for this season and that is Ribeiro," said the source.
"South African football fans are going to see the best of the boy this season. Yes, he showed what he can do last season with his performances, but I can tell you that wasn't anywhere near the best of what he can do. You must remember that it was his first season, and he was still settling in and all that, but now that he is familiar with his surroundings, his true potential will show. Without putting any pressure on the boy, he will be one of the best players this season, and a player that Sundowns will be planning around," the source said.
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Last season, Ribeiro had an impressive 25 goal contribution – 16 goals and nine assists – in 37 matches for Sundowns and it came as a surprise for many that he did not get a single nomination for the PSL end of season awards.
A player with an educated left foot, a visionary on the field who instinctively knows where to be at the right time with a sharp eye for defence-splitting passes and goals in a typical Brazilian way of playing, Ribeiro has been described as the player that Sundowns needed to have in a long time.
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