Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has issued his verdict on the performance of Lucas Ribeiro Costa and spoken about his chances of moving to one of Europe's elite leagues.
Sundowns progressed to the last four of the MTN8 after beating Polokwane City 1-0 at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Sunday.
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The deciding strike was courtesy of an own goal by Thabang Matuludi in extra time after the two teams finished goalless in normal time.
Among the surprises of the match, including Mosa Lebusa being in goal after Denis Onyango received a red card, was the removal of Ribeiro in the first half of extra-time.
Speaking to journalists after the match, Mngqithi explained why he felt the Brazilian struggled to show his class against the Limpopo outfit.
"I think it's a blessing, I think there are a lot of positives in his game and I think he is still going to help us a lot," said the coach.
"But there also lots of elements of his game that need improvement. I think that is what will help him to get other bigger opportunities in Europe.
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"The good thing is that he works very hard, he is a team player. But sometimes I think he tends to be consumed by outside forces and lose focus on the matches.
"When you've got a player like that, it's easy for opposition to also poke him to get him out of the game.
"I think he had a good start, but immediately after those few fouls that were not given and the yellow card that he got, then he tended to go back into his shell and it was difficult for him to come back.
"We were hoping that he would come back, but he was not coming back. But in terms of talent, he is one of the best players we have, but I still believe we are yet to see the best of him.
Sundowns have been drawn against Stellenbosch FC in the semi-finals of the competition, while Orlando Pirates will meet Cape Town City.