Sundowns record signing explains early struggles

Mamelodi Sundowns’ record signing Arthur Sales has opened up about the challenges he faced in adapting to South African football upon his arrival.

The Brazilian striker endured a shaky start to life at Chloorkop but has since found his form. He has now netted eight goals in 18 Betway Premiership appearances for the club.

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Sales scored a brace in Sundowns’ 3–0 victory over Chippa United on Wednesday, helping the team secure their eighth consecutive league title. 

The tall forward was reportedly signed for over R60 million from Belgian second-division outfit Lommel SK at the start of the season.

“It’s normal that I’m contracted to the club and it becomes public knowledge that I’m a record signing and when fans hear that, they expect me to score a certain number of goals,” Sales said on Radio 2000.

“With the adaptation taking place and me not scoring goals, the criticism came but what was more important is me standing firm. Now I’m delivering but it was just a matter of time and me adapting to the league.

“What actually created the pressure after Flemming (Berg) contacted me for the project, the perceived number 9 in the country is a traditional one that sits between the centre-backs and only scores goals. 

“That’s what created the pressure on me because I’m not that type of a number 9, I’m a striker that plays with the ball. My goal is not only about scoring goals but also creating chances.”

Sales revealed that his adjustment to life at Sundowns was made difficult by the club’s demanding schedule.

He also noted that both former coach Manqoba Mngqithi and his predecessor, Miguel Cardoso, have deployed him in various positions on the pitch. 

“When you play for Sundowns, you have a lot of games and too many games every three days. It’s difficult for the coach to understand about the position and the role the player can do,” the 22-year-old said. 

“You need an adaptation period from training to the game. When you test it (combinations) in the game, it becomes difficult because there are too many people watching, the pressure is too much and it’s not nice. Coach Manqoba watched me and said you’re not a number 9 and we changed a little bit and one time I’m a 9, left or on the right. 

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“Sometimes it was behind the number 9 because he didn’t have time to understand my profile. And the current coaches don’t have enough time because they have to prepare for the game instead of focusing on the players. With time, I have evolved, started gelling, adapting to the demands of the game and they can see what I bring to the team.”