Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena says that Lucas Ribeiro’s hat-trick against AmaZulu is sending a “very strong” message to his teammates for a place in their attacking department.

Ribeiro’s hat-trick takes his goal tally up to 10 goals, overtaking Cape Town City striker Khanyisa Mayo, who is currently sitting on seven goals.

Watch: Ribeiro bags first hat-trick for Sundowns

The 25-year-old climbed to the top of the standings after he guided Sundowns to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Usuthu at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday evening.

The result saw Sundowns extend their lead at the top of the league standings to 12 points and stretched their unbeaten run in the DStv Premiership to 40 matches.

Mokwena says he was pleased for Ribeiro after he continued his fine form for the club in the absence of Peter Shalulile.

“I liked his performance also in the last game when he came on as a sub in (CAF) Champions League.

“The message that they’re getting is they’ve got to score to play. And, you know, to score so many goals without Temba Zwane and Peter Shalulile also sends a very strong message for the competition for places.”

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