Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Lucas Ribeiro Costa would be open to representing South Africa if an opportunity presents itself.
The Brazilian signed for Sundowns in July 2023 and has been a revelation at the club, scoring 22 goals while providing 13 assists in 48 games.
However, that has not earned him a place in the highly-competitive Brazil national team and given he would be eligible for a South African passport in 2028, the playmaker is not ruling out featuring for Bafana Bafana.
Brazilian player leaves door open for SA call-up
“Unfortunately, at this point in time, at my door, I have not received a call or an offer or request to play for Bafana Bafana, but it would be a pleasure to represent South Africa because I am playing here, the national team is doing well,” said Costa as per iDiski Times.
The former SK Beveren player feels he would not struggle to adapt to life in the national team given the high number of Sundowns stars that make up the Bafana Bafana squad.
“National team is the highest level for any football player to be in that space in their career and also because Bafana has many players from Sundowns that are playing there, so for me if that opportunity presented itself, it would be great,” he added.
Will Ribeiro Costa ever don the Bafana jersey?
“I think I can adapt and assist the national team because I’m one of the highest-level players but unfortunately, that request or offer hasn’t come to my door. [Should that offer come] I would anticipate my response to be more positive than negative if it came.”
Uruguayan-born Gaston Sirino, who plays for Kaizer Chiefs, recently acquired a South African passport, making him eligible for a Bafana Bafana call-up but coach Hugo Broos has slammed the door on him, terming him ‘too old’ to make up his team.
