Lucas Ribeiro for Bafana Bafana? Mzansi warned against entertaining the idea of naturalising Mamelodi Sundowns' star - 'Let's empower Orlando Pirates' Relebohile Mofokeng'

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Benson Mhlongo has warned against the idea of naturalising Mamelodi Sundowns' Lucas Ribeiro.

Mhlongo, who could also play as a defender during his active days, said any decision to naturalise foreigners will send a negative message to ambitious local talents.

"For me, it's a no-go zone. As you can see, we're battling with politics, how to balance the diversity that we have, and sports is the most important part of the transition of our democracy," Mhlongo told Soccer Laduma.

"So if we're going to take outsiders and make them national players to play for us, what are we saying to the masses of these boys trying to play the game?

"We just need to produce our own and stop taking credit for other players from other countries. Let's produce our own and give our own a chance," Mhlongo added.

Mhlongo argued that it will be far better to rely on and develop local talents if Bafana is to grow into a competitive outfit over time.

"Let's empower Relebohile (Mofokeng) to step up and take that role as (the main number ten). He's young, but you can give him that confidence and nurture him, as long as we're not in a hurry to win things," he continued.

"Let's focus on building our squad until it's strong. Cricket has made it after years; we also have to take our time," the former Bafana star added.

"I don't support it (that Costa should play for Bafana) as a former player. I don't think it's right for the country; I don't think it's good for our game."

Ribeiro has not been capped for Brazil either at the junior or senior levels. This has led to calls for South Africa to naturalise the 26-year-old and make him Bafana eligible.

He has been the most outstanding player in the Premier Soccer League since he arrived before the 2023/24 season.

Previously, there were calls to naturalise Ribeiro, the 2024/25 PSL top scorer, but Bafana head coach Hugo Broos dismissed such calls.

Although the chances of ever playing for Brazil look extremely limited because of high-profile players always available for the Selecao, Ribeiro cannot lose hope because no one knows what the future holds.

Taking into account his performances for Sundowns, more calls for South Africa to naturalise him are expected.