Mamelodi Sundowns forward Lucas Ribeiro Costa has opened up on his desire to represent Bafana Bafana should the opportunity arise in the near future. 

The Brazilian maestro hit South African shores during the 2023/24 season transfer window as Masandawana’s marquee acquisition from Belgian second-division side, SK Bereven. 

Joining a group of other South American profiles at Sundowns, Ribeiro’s adaptation process was made easier with the company of players like Gaston Sirino, Marcelo Allende, and Erwin Saavedra.

The Brazilian has since established himself as one of South Africa’s top imports, playing an integral part in the Brazilian’s monumental league success in his first season, scoring 12 goals in 18 appearances. 

Addressing the media in the Carling Knockout Cup semi-final press conference, the 26-year-old expressed himself in his native language (Portuguese), with his sentiments accompanied by English translation.

Having spent a full year playing in South Africa’s topflight, Costa gave his impression of the standard of local football, pinpointing an unexpected revelation on the quality of individual profiles in the league. 

“First and foremost, it was a surprise to see players of such high quality still playing in the league. Probably would have anticipated such quality would be playing in Europe already and many players I have seen in the squad and other teams in the league that were possessing high quality, I was surprised that they were not playing at a higher level than PSL,” said Ribeiro.

Multiple foreign players in the PSL have assumed South African citizenship over the years, courtesy of the number of years they have spent working in the country. This has subsequently granted them automatic eligibility to represent the country in national team colours should they be selected. 

This has since sparked conversation and interest from South African football followers, who have been recently suggesting and advocating for the selection of players like Sirino, who recently acquired his South African citizenship. 

Having been dubbed as a valuable asset for Masandawana and quite frankly being out of the radar for selection in the Brazilian national team, Costa was questioned about his take concerning the potential of a Bafana call-up should it come about. 

The Betway Premiership defending champion commented, “Unfortunately, at this point, I have not yet received an offer to play for Bafana Bafana but it would be a pleasure to represent them not only because I’m playing in South Africa but because the national team is doing well. It is the highest level for any player to be in their career.”

Further reinforcing his sentiments, Riveiro explained, “Also, because Bafana Bafana has many players from Mamelodi Sundowns that are playing so for me if that opportunity were to present itself it would be great because I would probably adapt and assist the national team.” 

Already in the conversation for a potential player of the season nomination, Downs winger will look to take his team further in the Carling Cup knockout stages on Sunday, adding to his two assists in two appearances for South Africa’s official league cup.

Costa was speaking on the same day when Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos announced his squad that will face Uganda and South Sudan in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on the 15-19 November.