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Ribeiro Costa’s Bafana debate interestingly rages on…

The prospect of Lucas Ribeiro Costa playing international football while playing his club football in South Africa is catching fire.

Ribeiro Costa has been the standout player in the domestic game as he keeps delivering at Mamelodi Sundowns, where he has 23 goal contributions so far this season.

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With that comes the subject of his international career as Brazil will never consider him while playing in the Betway Premiership, leaving eligibility for Bafana Bafana via naturalisation as an option.

"He is an excellent player, but what we need to remember is that Brazil is the biggest exporter of players all over the world," says former Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs striker Pio Nogueira, who is also of Brazilian origin.

"Unfortunately, he (Ribeiro) does not play in a country of greatness and international recognition.

"Sorry to say this, but South Africa is not a top-ranked football-playing nation.

"I'm saying this with all due respect because South Africa is my second home. 

"South Africa is not even in the top 50 and so cannot be compared to Brazil, who have been at every World Cup and won it five times.

"How can Brazil call up a player playing in South Africa when this is not a top-ranked country and struggling to even qualify for the World Cup?

"South Africa needs a change of mentality about this matter because I would understand if there were better players available.

"Which South African players are at top European clubs?

"Okay, which South African is playing in a top European league?

"Is there any South African playing in the UEFA Champions League? 

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"At times, it helps to be realistic instead of being driven by a lot of other things.

"So, I'm surprised to hear people dismissing the idea of Ribeiro playing for Bafana, yet I feel he will add value.

"By the way, I'm happy that after a long time there is a Brazilian player doing so well in South Africa," says Nogueira.

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