Sundowns star Ribeiro ‘devastated’ over Mokwena’s decision

Mamelodi Sundowns striker Lucas Ribeiro was not happy with Rulani Mokwena’s decision to take him off in the second half during the Nedbank Cup final.

The 25-year-old missed a penalty during Sundowns’ 2-1 defeat to Orlando Pirates last Saturday. The Brazilians were awarded a penalty in the opening minutes but Ribeiro’s attempt was stopped by Sipho Chaine. Despite seeing his penalty saved by Bucs keeper, the striker redeemed himself by providing an assist to Themba Zwane’s opening goal.

Ribeiro was devasted by Mokwena’s decision to substitute him

After the Nedbank Cup final, the attacker took to social media to express his frustration

“I think there are some things we are not ready to understand. Sometimes it’s difficult to accept certain things, even more so in my profession that we are always destined to make mistakes,” Ribeiro said on social media.

Masandawana pay the penalty against Pirates

Sundowns had a mixed season by their standard only winning the DStv Premiership and the AFL. The Brazilians were beaten by Pirates in both the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup finals despite being favourites. Ribeiro joined Sundowns at the start of the season and was a key member of Mokwena’s team that finished the league with 73 points.

“I wanted to stay on the field and help my companions more, I am devastated to get out of shape like leaving the field, but God is in control of everything.

“The season ends in this way, I am a little sad, but on the other hand we learned something valuable, to know that things are not always the way we want,” he continued.

“But to evolve we need to go through situations like this because it is with mistakes that we become great champions!

“Thank God for the two trophies, I’m sure it’s the first of many. Now I will enjoy my family, recover to come back stronger than ever.”

Rulani Mokwena is yet to comment on Lucas Ribeiro’s post