Head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has reaffirmed the importance of attacker Lucas Ribeiro Costa, who has stuck out like a sore thumb in terms of key contribution to Mamelodi Sundowns' cause since the season started.
Sundowns got their league title defence underway with a convincing 2-0 win over rivals SuperSport United in the Tshwane Derby on Tuesday.
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Goals from new signing Iqraam Rayners and Ribeiro, both in the second half, did the business after a first stanza of a lot of chances going abegging.
For the latter, it was a third strike in five appearances across all competitions so far this campaign.
The Brazilian playmaker will be aiming to better his 16 goals and nine assists achieved from his 36 appearances in all competitions of last term.
Speaking at the post-match press conference after the match, Mngqithi explained the 25-year-old's importance to his side.
"We can't control the narrative of the general public, but sometimes it is true that he hangs on the ball a little too much and he does hang on the ball a little more than he should," noted the former Golden Arrows gaffer.
"But that is part of his major strengths because sometimes when he takes people on and scores, we are all celebrating.
"So, it will always be difficult.
"That's why a player should always play with a very clean and open mind, because exactly what you are saying today. Because there has been a lot of criticism about him hanging on to the ball, the first chance he got after dribbling inside, with his left foot, you know immediately that he will shoot. But because he is trying to please the public, to please the general opinion, he ends up trying to pass, which is not really his strength.
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"His element of surprise is what makes him the player that he is and that is why we expect him to help us with his dribbles. They are very important to the team.
"Although it is also important for him to vary his game from time to time so that opponents cannot read exactly what he is going to do, and that is the issue."
The win takes Sundowns to a familiar top spot in the DStv Premiership after their first outing, with their next Betway Premiership fixture against Marumo Gallants on Tuesday.