South Africa legend Shaun Bartlett insists Bafana Bafana don't need the services of Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Lucas Ribeiro Costa.
The 26-year-old recently expressed his will to represent Mzansi internationally after being overlooked by Brazil's technical team in the ongoing international break.
In his debut season, the South American played 37 games for Masandawana across all competitions, scored 16 goals, and provided nine assists which helped his team successfully defend their Premier Soccer League title and win the inaugural African Football League.
This season, Ribeiro has already scored seven goals and provided four assists in the 12 matches he has played. It explains why he felt he is ready to be involved in the international games for national teams.
‘Bafana don't need Ribeiro'
The 52-year-old former Kaizer Chiefs striker insists South Africa have what it takes to deliver even without the Mamelodi Sundowns attacker.
“I don’t think we need him to play for us, we must believe in our own. We must go to the right places to find players who can represent us,” he told Sowetan Live.
“I have no issue with foreign players because I was one myself, but we have to do better than we are in terms of identifying the right talent.”
Bartlett further lauded coach Hugo Broos for what he is doing in the team, and further commented on Percy Tau's absence.
“[Broos] has got team selection and tactics spot-on. He’s unbeaten [at home] and his style doesn’t change, whether we play home or away. Players are more confident and that’s a good thing.
“[Dropping Tau] was a brave but right decision. Game-time is important and Tau surely will get a wake-up call to consider leaving Ahly. We have big tournaments coming up and you need players who are playing regularly.”
Bafana play Uganda away on Friday before hosting South Sudan four days later in Group K's 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
