With just under two seasons in the Premier Soccer League (PSL), Lucas Ribeiro Costa has been praised as one of the best players to have played in South Africa.
Ribeiro joined Mamelodi Sundowns in July 2023 from Belgian side SK Beveren and made an immediate impact, helping Masandawana secure both the PSL title and the African Football League in his debut season.
In the current campaign, the Brazilian international has been in exceptional form, registering 12 appearances, seven goals, and five assists a performance that has placed him among the top contenders for the PSL Footballer of the Season award.
Speaking about Ribeiro’s influence, coach Miguel Cardoso expressed his desire to see the 26-year-old forward remain at Chloorkop for many more seasons.
“One of the things I said to Lucas when I arrived here knowing that he was performing well in the league.
“Was to try to tell him that there’s always things that can be done,” Cardoso said.
“So, (I) tried to make him understand that the ambition that he should have to continue to develop himself should be present every day on his life.
“We work hard on the mindset of the players a lot; we work hard on that.
“And I think the message is entering most of them (Sundowns players) with commitment with the work with a strong mindset on getting better.
“With respect for everyday waking (up) everyday thinking this is the day I need to make my best Lucas can go (all the way out).
“We should profit as much as possible while we can from him.
“And let’s hope the club can keep him for long because he’s a very important player.
“But Lucas is a player to play in a high level internationally no doubt (about that).”
