Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder and arguably the best player in the PSL Lucas Ribeiro Costa is amazed at the talent that SA is blessed with and he says that he is surprised that they are not playing in European leagues.
Ribeiro, a Brazil national, has set the PSL ablaze with his scintillating performances since he arrived in Mzansi from Belgium in the middle of last season. He settled into the system, showing glimpses of what was yet to come, before starting the current season like a house on fire.
This week, the swashbuckling Ribeiro was named as Betway Premiership Player of the Month. He scored four goals and delivered two assists to help the defending champions secure a strong start to the season.
Ribeiro beat Orlando Pirates players Sipho Chaine, Relebohile Mofokeng and Deon Hotto to the award.
“One thing that I observed when I came to this country is the quality of the players. It was actually a surprise to see players of high quality still playing in the league [PSL],” Ribeiro told the media during a Sundowns media day.
“I said to myself that players of such quality should be playing in Europe already. There are many players that I have seen in our team and from other teams in the league as well that possess high qualities. I won’t lie, I am surprised that they are also not actually playing at a level higher than the PSL,” he added.
“That’s one thing I noticed that upon arriving that the team and the league has high qualities. For example, Ronza [Ronwen Williams]. Ronza, with the qualities he has, I somehow felt sad for him at the Ballon D’or because he’s not playing in Europe for the top teams.
“Because if he could win, it means it could open more doors for South African players to tap into that space if one or two of the quality players could play at that level,” he explained further.
Ribeiro said he would gladly play for South Africa if he got the opportunity.
Even though he does not qualify yet, people are already talking about how great an addition the 26-year-old would be to Bafana Bafana, who are on an upward trajectory.
“I do not think that I qualify yet, but when I do qualify and get a call-up, that will be great and a pleasure.
“Bafana are also doing well on the continent, and they are competing against the best teams. Playing for national teams is the highest achievement for many soccer players.
“There are also a lot of Sundowns players in Bafana, and that would be easier for me to adapt. So, I believe I can assist and that I can contribute. If they call me up, the response will be more positive rather than negative,” Ribeiro said.
