Khaya Ndubane

By Khaya Ndubane

Digital Manager Phakaaathi


Royal AM snap up former Sundowns defender

Club president Shauwn Mkhize confirmed Nascimento's capture on Thursday.


Ambitious DStv Premiership side Royal AM have confirmed the signing of former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Ricardo Nascimento.

ALSO READ: Sundowns banking on new recruits to help them claim second star

The Brazilian defender, who was released by Sundowns recently to open up space for their foreign quota, is said to have signed a 17-month deal with Thwihli Thwahla.

“We are making our intentions very very clear as to what is it that we want to archive, obviously we need to start by stabilizing the defence and we cannot wait to play our first match. Welcome home @ricardonascimento03,” read a post on the Royal AM official Instagram account on Thursday.

Club president Shauwn Mkhize also confirmed Nascimento’s capture in a video posted on the self-same Instagram account.

“Guys, I have another surprise for you,” she said.

“I’m trying to make sure that Royal AM is strengthened. I started with the wingers, I went to the strikers and now I’m coming to the core, strengthening my defence. Are you ready for my surprise? Nascimento,” she added as Nascimento appeared wearing the Number 3 jersey.

Nascimento, who joined Sundowns in 2016, was released by the Brazilians to open the space for the new foreign arrival. Sundowns signed Bolivian forward Erwin Saveerda during the January transfer period thereby exhausting their foreign registration quota.

During his time with Sundowns, the 35-year-old defender won four Premiership titles, as well as the CAF Champions League and CAF Super Cup. He also won almost all the domestic cup competitions on offer.

Access premium news and stories

Access to the top content, vouchers and other member only benefits