Ignored by Brazil's Dorival Junior! Mamelodi Sundowns superstar Lucas Ribeiro sends Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos come-and-get-me plea - 'It would be a pleasure to represent South Africa'

Mamelodi Sundowns forward Lucas Ribeiro Costa has issued a come-and-get-me plea to South Africa head coach Hugo Broos. 

Although Ribeiro is not yet eligible to represent the South African national team, a section of Bafana Bafana supporters have been urging Broos to look at him when he becomes available. 

With him seemingly not being ignored by the Brazil coach Dorival Junior, Ribeiro expressed his desire to be part of the Bafana squad.

“If the opportunity were to present itself it would be great because I think I can adapt and assist the national team," Ribeiro said.

"If the offer comes to my door, my response towards it would be positive rather than negative. But at the moment there has not been any offer or anything like that.

The 26-year-old continued: “I have not received a request to play for Bafana Bafana but it will be a pleasure to represent them.

“Not because I am playing in South Africa, but because the national team is doing well. Playing for the national team is the highest level and Bafana have many players from Sundowns.”

Ribeiro has been outstanding for Sundowns since joining the team from Belgian club SK Beveren in July 2023. Overall, he has netted 22 goals and provided 13 assists in 48 games. 

The 26-year-old attacker will only get SA permanent residency in 2028 as he hasn't spent five years in the country. Ribeiro has never represented Brazil at any level.

It will be interesting to see if honesty Broos will entertain the idea of adding Ribeiro to his squad, should he still be a Bafana coach when the player becomes available. 

Bafana will face Uganda and South Sudan in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers during the upcoming November international break. 

Meanwhile, Ribeiro will be looking to help Sundowns progress to the Carling Knockout final when they meet Marumo Gallants in the semi-final clash on Sunday.