Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso reserved special praise for Lucas Ribeiro Costa following his Man of the Match performance against Orlando Pirates.

The Brazilians extended their winning run following their 4-1 thumping of the Buccaneers at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday.

A brace by Ribeiro and goals from Grant Kekana and Teboho Mokoena handed the Brazilians all three points in Pretoria.

Sundowns have now moved nine points clear at the summit of the table with 42 points after 15 games, while Pirates are in second place with 33 points after 14 matches.

Cardoso was proud of his team’s overall performance but aimed his praise at Ribeiro, who he is trying to “keep excited” for him to remain a man in form.

“Lucas is giving his share,” Cardoso told SuperSport TV after the game.

“We’re trying to keep him excited about playing and happy, but we’re tying to make a team that can also please him and that he pleases the team.

“The values here are collective, he’s sharing the collective values, he is much better on defence also.

“He is a more collective player, I hope he can be prepared to feed us a lot, whatever the sky is the limit for everybody here.”