PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA – FEBRUARY 27: Lucas Ribeiro Costa of Mamelodi Sundowns during the DStv Premiership match between Mamelodi Sundowns and AmaZulu FC at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on February 27, 2024 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)
He is currently Mamelodi Sundowns’ top goal scorer in all competitions – but Lucas Ribeiro has revealed why he first said no when the Brazilians came knocking.
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The story of Ribeiro is truly remarkable.
Just a few years ago he had to become a mechanic in his native Brazil after footballing opportunities were few and far between.
It took a number of factors, like someone spotting him playing casual games and another individual taking him under their wing and offering him a place to stay for his career to really catapult.
His journey has taken him to Belgium, and he could have well been on his way to Portugal when Sundowns first came knocking as he did not know much about the Chloorkop-based outfit.
“I didn’t even pay attention [to Sundowns], I didn’t know the club or anything about the country. I spoke with my manager to look at other options. At the time, there was another team from Portugal interested. But when I went to research Mamelodi, I saw how they played, their relationship with Brazil and that they were strong. In addition, the coach called me, showed that he wanted to count on me,” he explained to GLOBO.
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He has amassed an impressive 10 goals in 13 matches for coach Rulani Mokwena’s side and Ribeiro has taken to life in South Africa both on and off the field, like a duck to water.
“I arrived at the airport feeling like I’m in Brazil, I felt at home. Here the people are excellent, from the players to the fans and coaching staff. I didn’t think it would be so good, it was my best decision. The competition here is tough, both the national league and the African Champions League,” he continued.
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