Portuguese striker Nuno Santos motivated by Mamelodi Sundowns’ pedigree as the reason he joined the side from Tshwane

Nuno Santos’ decision to join Mamelodi Sundowns is because of club’s pedigree on the continent.

“It is the biggest club in the country and one of the biggest in Africa,” he said.

“I felt like the club really wanted me and when you know that, it’s easy to me make that decision.”

Santos scored his brace against ST Eloi Lupopo on Saturday in a Caf Champions League 3-1 victory as Loftus Versveld.

The midfielder was brought to the Brazilians during off-season as a possible replacement for departed Brazilian-born Lucas Ribeiro.

So far he is yet to live up to the level Ribeiro was on in a Sundowns shirt. The presence of his countrymen in both Miguel Reisinho and coach Miguel Cardoso has also eased off pressure on him at the Chloorkop side.

“He has influence for sure because it’s easier when you’re in Portugal, Europe there’s not so many players that come to South Africa and have a Portuguese coach that speaks the same language,” he stated.

“He can advise me, how the things are.”

He will be expected to play a key role again when Sundowns face MC Alger this weekend in their second Caf Champions League match.