Why PSL standards aren’t enough: Cardoso on Ribeiro’s Brazil dream

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has explained why Lucas Ribeiro Costa needs ‘higher standards’ than the PSL to earn a place in the Brazil national team.

Ribeiro has set the Betway Premiership alight since joining Sundowns in July 2023 from SK Beveren in the Belgian first division.

The left-footed attacker has proven to be one of the best players at Downs with his explosive pace, dribbling abilities and eye for goal.

In his two seasons with the Chloorkop-based side, Ribeiro has netted 33 goals and provided 20 assists in 71 matches in all competitions. The talented forward is on course to win the Golden Boot after scoring 13 goals in 20 matches played in the current campaign.

Last season under Rulani Mokwena, Ribeiro helped the Tshwane giants to win the league title and the inaugural 2023 African Football League [AFL].

CARDOSO ADMITS THAT RIBEIRO NEEDS ‘BEST LEAGUE IN THE WORLD’ TO GET BRAZIL CALL-UP

Cardoso has admitted that Ribeiro would need to play for one of the best leagues in the world to get a call-up in his country, Brazil.

In recent months, the 26-year-old has been a topic of discussion on whether he should be neutralised to play for Bafana Bafana.

“You want me to give you the politically correct answer or the true one? Cardoso asked.

“If I were to give you a politically correct answer, I would say it’s a pity he doesn’t go to the national team. He’s been probably the best player in the league, he’s highly skillful, that’s true.

“I think for Lucas to go to the Brazil national team, he has to prove himself at another level because if you go check the names of the players for Brazil, you’ll see. I went to check where they play, and they play for the biggest teams in the world.

“We can think that we’re one of the biggest teams in Africa, but to be one of the biggest teams in the world is something else. I think Lucas will have to prove himself at that level to have a call-up in the national team. It’s up to him to run at that level, and he has the potential, no doubt.

“If he achieves that, I think it will be him that can speak for himself, but it’s a pleasure to work with him. I know he has the potential, but he has to prove it.”

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