Brazilian-born Ribeiro talks about his Bafana dream
Brazilian-born Mamelodi Sundowns star Lucas Ribeiro has spoken about his Bafana Bafana dream.
A native of Santa Helena in Brazil’s Northeastern region, Ribeiro may become eligible to play for South Africa upon acquiring South African citizenship in the coming years.
Incredibly, the highly-rated winger remains uncapped and overlooked by the Brazilian national team, making a switch to South Africa a real possibility. The left-footed attacker arrived at Sundowns at the start of the 2024/25 Betway Premiership, and he has proven his scoring prowess.
In his first season at Downs, he scored 16 goals and contributed nine assists in 37 matches across all competitions. Ribeiro helped Sundowns clinch their seventh successive league title and also won the inaugural African Football League [AFL].
Meanwhile, the highly-rated midfielder has continued where he left off from the last campaign after scoring six goals and chipping in with four assists in the current campaign. Ribeiro has also been crucial for Masandawana in the 2024 Carling Knockout Cup as they made it to the semi-finals.
The Chloorkop-based side will face Marumo Gallants in the last eight of the Carling Cup at Petrus Molemela Stadium on Sunday, 10 November 2024.
WHAT DID LUCAS RIBEIRO SAY ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF REPRESENTING BAFANA?
Speaking at the Mamelodi Sundowns media day ahead of the Gallants clash, Ribeiro said he would love to play for Bafana because the team is doing well.
“Unfortunately, I haven’t received an offer to represent Bafana, but it will be a pleasure to represent them because the national team is doing well,” Ribeiro said.
“So that’s the highest level for any footballer to be there, and also because Bafana Bafana has many Sundowns players, so if that opportunity presents itself, it will be great.
“I think I can be able to adapt and assist the national team because that’s the highest level that every player is dreaming about. If the offer comes I anticipate the response will be positive than negative.”
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