Lucas Ribeiro sends message ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns' blockbuster clashes with Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs after scoring four goals against Soweto giants

Mamelodi Sundowns forward Lucas Ribeiro has sent a strong signal that he is set to rejoin the Premier Soccer League defending champions after his move to Qatar SC failed.

Ribeiro was reportedly close to joining the Qatar Stars League side before the club ended the transfer talks for what is understood to be a hardline stance by the PSL side.  

Ribeiro's return signal comes when Sundowns are focusing on two games against both Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. The Brazilians are set to take on Pirates on August 23 for the second leg of the MTN8 semi-final. The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw.

Thereafter, Downs will tackle Amakhosi in a league game on August 27. 

"Coming soon," Ribeiro said on his Instagram story.

Ribeiro's possible return could be bad news for the Soweto giants, given how frequently he found the back of the net against them.

During a PSL game on March 1, 2025, the Brazilian scored the only goal in a game in which Sundowns dispatched Chiefs by a 1-0 scoreline.

He was also on target on September 28, 2024, when Masandawana registered a 2-1 victory over the Glamour Boys. Iqraam Rayners scored the other goal for Sundowns, while Ranga Chivaviro was on target for Amakhosi. 

On May 2, 2024, when Sundowns registered a 5-1 league victory, the 26-year-old star was also on target. 

Pirates have also tasted Ribeiro's lethality; the 2024/25 season Golden Boot winner struck twice against Bucs on February 8, 2025, when Sundowns earned a 4-1 league victory. The other two goals were scored by Teboho Mokoena and Grant Kekana, while Pirates' goal was struck by Deon Hotto. 

Although his future remains a question of whether he will stay or leave Sundowns, the prospect of his return sends chilling tension across the fanbases of the Soweto giants. 

Ribeiro, who shone at the FIFA Club World Cup in June, is yet to feature for Masandawana this season since he has been away, reportedly trying to negotiate with his numerous suitors.