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Mamelodi Sundowns’ midfielder Nuno Santos is starting to grasp the true requirements of African football, and the Portuguese playmaker acknowledges that the CAF Champions League has already changed his view of the sport.

Santos joined Chloorkop at the beginning of the season, coming from Vitória de Guimarães, and entered a new environment after having spent his professional career in Europe.

Within just a few months of starting his African adventure, the 29-year-old has already made a significant impact on the continent’s top club competition.

In 10 matches in various tournaments, Santos has netted three goals and delivered two assists — all of these achievements occurring in the CAF Champions League.

He scored his first goal for Sundowns against Remo Stars, then made a strong statement by netting two goals against the DR Congo team St Eloi Lupopo, highlighting his increasing impact within Miguel Cardoso’s squad.

In addition to the statistics, Santos highlights that the level of competition has been the most notable aspect.

“Competing in Africa’s premier tournament is an amazing experience,” Santos said inSundowns Magazine.

The level of intensity, the ambiance, and the journey are entirely distinct yet motivating.

For a player used to the tempo and consistency of European football, the Champions League has provided a striking difference.

Games are held in intense atmospheres, frequently under difficult circumstances, and traveling across the continent can be lengthy, exhausting, and uncertain.

In Europe, fast flights and brief travel distances are common.

In Africa, Santos has needed to adjust to long trips, recovery difficulties, and new environments — a situation that puts both physical and mental strength to the test.

However, it is exactly this difficulty that has driven his determination.

“It was incredible to be part of a victory that will go down in the club’s history,” he said.

When I netted that initial goal, I reflected on all those who had faith in me, which inspired me to strive for even greater achievements for this outstanding club.

Sundowns have always taken pride in combining local talent with global standards, and Santos’ smooth integration highlights both his dedication and the club’s organization.

His goals have come at crucial times, supporting Sundowns’ continental aspirations and highlighting why the Brazilians acted quickly to acquire his talents.

As the Champions League season progresses, Santos is no longer merely adapting — he is making a meaningful impact.

The journey could be more challenging, the environments noisier, and the boundaries tighter, but the midfielder seems to be enjoying each aspect of the African football scene.

For Sundowns, this is only positive news as they keep striving for continental supremacy.