Mamelodi Sundowns' new Portuguese midfield 'maverick' compared to ex-Orlando Pirates star Teko Modise

Mamelodi Sundowns legend Sibusiso Vilakazi has praised the club's new Portuguese signing, Nuno Santos.

Sundowns sealed the deal for the former Benfica and Portugal youth international from Vitoria Guimaraes SC hours before the Premier Soccer League transfer window closed.

Despite his late arrival, he has received positive reviews and has been tipped to shine with the PSL defending champions.

“You still have certain players that are very new to the team, and they still need to click. As unique as they are, they still need to find ways to click in a moving team,” Vilakazi told the club’s Pitchside Podcast.

“The likes of Santos and how he plays, he just adds a bit of magic for me. He’s a maverick and brings something that is different because they (the team) have combinations, but he has an eye for a pass," he added.

In his assessment of Santos, Vilakazi compared Santos with the former Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana star, Teko Modise.

“It’s something you [Teko Modise] had as well. When you had the ball, we knew that we had to make a run because you’d find us, and it’s something that was missing [in the current team], and he has that," he explained.

“He [Santos] has that vision because everything was just about combinations. The pass he curled around [assist to Tashreeq Matthews] – that’s the type of vision that you need,” Vilakazi added.

“Those kinds of players are mavericks and ace cards that you need to have. I’m starting to enjoy it, and to say from the scouting side, you’ve got someone who can be a good addition to the team. With so much that’s happening, you will remember that it has been a struggle, but the team has been winning games."

“Yes, there will be those hiccups, but already being at the top doesn’t mean that you’re fully functioning because Santos has just come into the team. So, imagine when he starts to find his true self because we’ve seen glimpses of him, and I know that he still has other capabilities."

In three games, Santos has shown flashes of brilliance and has already recorded an assist. He was also named the Man of the Match when Sundowns managed a 4-1 win over Richards Bay in a league game.

Although the Portuguese talent has received positive reviews so far, the team's performances have been scrappy.

The Tshwane giants are at the top with 20 points, one more than second-placed Sekhukhune United, who have a game in hand.

After their elimination from the MTN8 Cup, Downs' ambition of winning more trophies this season was hit by another setback when Marumo Gallants sent them packing in the Carling Knockout Cup.

Their next challenge will be games against Remo Stars of Nigeria in the CAF Champions League preliminary round.