When Nuno Santos arrived at Mamelodi Sundowns earlier this season, many supporters wondered how quickly a Portuguese international making the jump from European football would adjust to the South African game. As it turns out, Santos himself says the transition has been far easier than he ever imagined. And if his recent performances are anything to go by, he has settled into Chloorkop life at lightning speed.
A Winning Debut On The Continental Stage
Santos announced himself in style over the weekend with two goals in Sundowns’ 3–1 victory against DR Congo’s Saint Eloi Lupopo in their CAF Champions League group stage opener. For a club carrying expectations as heavy as Sundowns’, a winning start was crucial, especially in a challenging group that includes Algeria’s MC Alger and Sudan’s Al Hilal.
He was quick to underline the team effort behind the win, but he also acknowledged the personal boost of getting off the mark early.
“It feels very good. It was a great performance by the team and getting the three points was the most important thing. I am also very happy with my own performance,” he said.
Embracing Life At Chloorkop
Players arriving from Europe often speak about needing months to adapt to the speed, physicality and rhythm of South African football. Santos says his experience has been the opposite.
“Integration has been very good. Better than I thought,” he shared. “They welcomed me very well and I am thankful for all the people making me feel at home since I came.”
Why He Left Europe For Africa
Transferring from Europe to the PSL is not a step we see every day, especially for a 26-year-old signed for a reported R20-million. Santos says the reason was simple: Sundowns made him feel wanted, and he believes in the club’s ambition.
“It is the biggest club in South Africa and one of the biggest in Africa. I felt like the club really wanted me. When you feel that, it is much easier to make these types of decisions,” he explained.
He already featured in Sundowns’ qualifiers against Remo Stars and says the early run of games has helped him settle into both the squad and the tempo of African football.
A Player Fully Bought Into The Vision
Sundowns have a clear continental mission, and Santos appears ready to play a major part in it. His early form has earned praise across fan pages, with Masandawana supporters hailing him as “a gem,” “a natural fit,” and “another clever signing from the recruitment team.”
For Santos, though, it is just the beginning. “So far so good,” he said. “We have started well and I am happy for the team.”
With confidence flowing, a new home embraced, and a Champions League campaign ahead, Sundowns may have unlocked yet another midfield star ready to shine in yellow.
Source: SABC Sport
Image Source: Snyman 6 on X
