This week, defender Ricardo Nascimento reaches a milestone: four years at Chloorkop since first arriving in July 2016 to establish a reputation in the Premier Soccer League.
“ Yes it’s now four years that I am playing for Mamelodi Sundowns, time does fly,” recalls the experienced centreback.
“I was playing in Portugal when I was approached by Sundowns to come and play here in South Africa. I was living in Europe and my decision was not easy, but I was impressed with South Africa at first sight. Then with Sundowns as a club, the team and its structure.”
In that time, Nascimento has featured in over 100 games for the club and has already graced the winners’ podium to lift the Absa Premiership title twice.
The 33-year-old has also had a taste of the CAF interclub competitions with our regular appearances in the Champions League.
“And it gets better with time,” says Nascimento. “I feel that there’s a lot of opportunity to grow. Every year the league is a new challenge and very competitive.”
But Brazilian didn’t get to be involved much in the beginning of the 2019/20 season and indeed the early stages of continental football because of a hip injury.
“It was the second injury and I lost half of the season,” he explains. “But I did the treatment in Brazil, which included efficient physiotherapy, which helped with my recovery.”
It was like he never left though when he took over the designated penalty taker role yet again, especially in a big game at home against Wydad Casablanca in our 1-0 victory back in February, a few months shortly after his recovery.
“My courage to kick penalties started at my previous club in Portugal and here coach Pitso also trusts me and gives me the opportunity – up to now, and thank God I’ve never missed. My secret is to practice at training and when the situation is real during the match I keep calm, relax, but the butterflies in my stomach are unavoidable.”
what I like also is your passing and ball control ( truly time does fly) keep up the good work
I remember being in the stands listening to people calling him “slow”, “tall for nothing”, etc. Now everybody panics when he’s not in the lineup.
I like your long attacking balls. You are really one of the best center backs in PSL
Reminds me of Aljie Schut during his time in the team he was one of the best passers of long balls
Cool, calm and nice on the ball, that’s what I like about Nasci. He is surely the best 💛👆
The best Centre back In the PSL. Remember when you joined and can say proudly that you are my Captain after Kekana.
Buenas noches sinor Nacimento, we are happy as Sundowns supporters with the contribution you have made both on defence and scoring goals, especially penalties. I wish we can have u for another two or three years at the club.
Although slow, your timing is very good and thus making you the best defender the PSL.
Your taking of enalties at Sundowns makes you an exceptional player. Keep the good work up and enjoy your stay at Sundowns
The best team in south africa… 9 times PSL championship. Keep the good work masandawana
the Principal himself ,please pass on your neat way of playing from the back to the Sundowns young defenders . Madisha has learned a thing or two from you already .
Ricardo is a great tactician. He knows how to read the game and is a good organiser of the defence. I Like his smart approach to the game as well… it pays the dividends.