Red hot Lucas Ribeiro has been told to consider switching his nationality from Brazil to South Africa after an impressive start to the season for Premier South Africa League side Mamelodi Sundowns, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
26-year-old Ribeiro has been a revelation for Sundowns since his move to South Africa from Belgium. This season he boast of a total of 12 goals across all competitions, alongside an impressive 10 assists.
Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Ricardo Nascimento has suggested to his fellow Brazilian to consider switching his international allegiance to play for Bafana Bafana, and help them in their quest to qualify for the 2026 World Cup where they are in the same group with the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
“This is an exceptional player,” Nascimento was quoted as saying by KickOff. “He would be a tremendous asset to Bafana Bafana.”
Related Post
“Unfortunately, I don’t think they even know about him here in Brazil. That’s why I think it would be interesting for him to play for Bafana Bafana”.
In November 2024, Ribiero said he is open to the idea of representing South Africa if he is handed a call up saying it will be a pleasure, but checks reveal that he will only be eligible to play for the African nation in 2028.
“Unfortunately at the point in time, at my door, I have not received a call or an offer or request to play for Bafana Bafana, but it would be a pleasure to represent South Africa because I am playing here, the national team is doing well,” he said.
“National team is the highest level for any football player to be in that space in their career and also because Bafana has many players from Sundowns that are playing there, so for me if that opportunity presented itself it would be great.
“I think I can adapt and assist the national team because I’m one of the highest-level players but unfortunately that request or offer hasn’t come to my door. [Should that offer come] I would anticipate my response to be more positive than negative if it came.”
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
