The debate dividing Mzansi: Should Mamelodi Sundowns talisman Lucas Ribeiro be given a shot at Bafana Bafana?

Across world football, especially in Europe, nationalising foreign players for international duty has become standard practice. From Brazil-born Diego Costa playing for Spain, to countless South American-born players featuring for Italy, Portugal and others, it’s clear that national teams don’t only rely on home-grown talent. 

If Ribeiro were to play for Bafana, he’d merely be following a well-trodden path. The precedent exists, and Fifa regulations allow it, provided eligibility criteria are met.

Let’s be honest, as brilliant as Ribeiro has been for Sundowns, his chances of cracking the Brazilian national team are virtually zero. Brazil’s forward line is stacked with superstars playing in Europe’s elite leagues. 

Even with standout performances in the Premier Soccer League, Ribeiro’s only realistic shot at international football is through naturalisation. At 26 (turning 27 in October), the window for a move to Europe is closing fast. European clubs are increasingly favouring younger talent, meaning Ribeiro may have to accept that his international career, if any, may be with South Africa.

The standard residency requirement for naturalisation in South Africa is five years, but exceptions can be made for individuals with “exceptional skills and qualifications.” Ribeiro has been in South Africa for just under two years, but if Safa and the government push his case, there’s a possibility of fast-tracking the process. 

This route has been explored in other countries when a player’s inclusion was deemed beneficial to the national cause. Could South Africa do the same, especially with the Africa Cup of Nations looming?

With Afcon 2025 now set for December and the next Fifa break for World Cup qualifiers in September (when Bafana face Lesotho and Nigeria), time is running out for Ribeiro to make his mark or even get the paperwork sorted. 

If Safa and Broos believe Ribeiro can be a game-changer, the process must start now. Otherwise, it may be a case of “what could have been.”

The real question is this: does Ribeiro fill a genuine gap in the current Bafana setup, or would he block the rise of deserving local talent? He can play as a second striker, attacking midfielder or right winger, roles currently filled by the likes of Percy Tau, Patrick Maswanganyi, Mihlali Mayambela and promising youngsters like Relebohile Mofokeng.

While Ribeiro brings something different, calm finishing, creativity in tight spaces and vision for the final pass, Broos made it clear: “You have to respect your South African players also.” With local talent eager to prove themselves, giving Ribeiro the nod could send the wrong message that form and potential aren’t enough even if you’re homegrown. Choosing South African players not only rewards their hard work but also builds the depth and confidence needed for long-term success on the international stage and adding a Brazilian into the setup could be a major risk to take.

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