PSL urged to fight to keep Mamelodi Sundowns forward Lucas Ribeiro Costa in South Africa - 'Just like LaLiga said no to Lionel Messi & Cristiano Ronaldo'

Mamelodi Sundowns' senior coach Steve Komphela has explained why it's important to have players like Lucas Ribeiro Costa in the Premier Soccer League.

The Brazilian star has been consistent since joining the Tshwane giants last year and a section of South African football fanatics have been suggesting that he should dump the local league for better European leagues.

However, Komphela shared his views on why he thinks Ribeiro should remain at Sundowns - comparing him with global superstars Lionel Messia and Cristiano Ronaldo who played Spanish giants FC Barcelona, and Real Madrid respectively.

"What are you saying to our league? We want more of those (Ribeiro's quality). Not really because if I were to immediately jump into the notion that he was playing with kids against Cape Town City, then I would have insulted Cape Town City and I don’t think Eric Tinkler would take kind to that,'' Komphela told the media.

"You look at the kid who plays in the midfield of Cape Town City, (Gabriel) Amato, he is a vibe, he plays good football. And now if you look at the Ribeiro scenario and only be consumed by that and neglect the other great stuff, whether it’s your Darwin (Gonzalez), or your Taahir (Goedeman, those are good players.

"Now, it is good to have the PSL with good-quality players. And the product gets there. If La Liga says no, let’s hang on to (Lionel) Messi, hang on to (Cristiano) Ronaldo, they want to have a good product that internationally will invite broadcasters and all that, and then the league becomes prestigious and there is a better investment,'' he added.

"So, the PSL must do the same. And Ribeiro is the kind of player we say just before he goes somewhere else and there is that thing that says guys, what can we do? Can we get some partnership to secure this guy for the prestige and the level of the league, we have to.''

Unlike South American or European players who have graced the PSL, Ribeiro did not need much time to adapt to local football when he arrived at Sundowns in July 2023.

In his first season, the 26-year-old star scored 16 goals and registered nine assists under then-coach Rhulani Mokwena.

The Santa Helena-born attacker continues to shine this season under the guidance of Manqoba Mngqithi having netted four times and assisted twice in five league games this season so far.

Ribeiro, having scored when Sundowns played against Chiefs in a league match in September, will be aiming to help his side defeat Amakhosi once again. 

He grabbed a goal and an assist against Amakhosi.