Ahead of Gallants clash, Santos reflects on PSL stay

2026-03-16 - 09:04

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Nuno Santos has reflected on his experience in South African football since completing his move from Portuguese outfit Vitória Guimarães earlier this season. While his compatriot Miguel Reisinho has struggled to adapt to the intensity and physical demands of the Betway Premiership and the CAF Champions League, Santos has made an immediate impact at Chloorkop. ALSO READ: Ouaddou says title race not over despite Pirates’ latest setback The 27-year-old has been among Sundowns’ standout performers in the Champions League, contributing three goals and five assists so far. He was particularly influential in the Brazilians’ 3-0 victory over Stade Malien in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie last Friday, providing two assists. “I’m enjoying it a lot since I’ve been here, but it’s a completely different football than in Europe, but I think I’ve adapted pretty well,” Santos said. “Obviously, there’s a difference to the game here and we as Europeans struggle a little bit in the beginning but I think I’m enjoying myself and my teammates also helped me a lot and all of the coaching staff.” Santos also pointed out the contrasts between the PSL and football in Portugal, particularly the physical nature of the South African game. “That’s one of the aspects which is different in South Africa than in Europe, there are a lot of duels,” Santos added. “There is also the pitch which doesn’t help and that makes the game have more duels. I’m an offensive player and I always will be but I’m trying to improve that (defensive) part as well.” Masandawana will look to Santos to maintain his impressive form when they face Marumo Gallants in a league encounter at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday night. The former Portugal youth international also shared how his game has evolved since joining the Tshwane giants in September last year. “I think people nowadays want players who can do everything. They want players to assist, score and win duels, but we’re all different,” the creative midfielder concluded. ALSO READ: Mokwena leaves MC Alger, set to join Libyan giants Al-Ittihad “Especially at Sundowns where we have players that can defend, pass, assist and score. I’m an offensive player and I’m obviously not going to be the best defender in the world but I give my best in every game and I think I’m improving as well.”