Mamelodi Sundowns star Lucas Ribeiro Costa has left the door open for the possibility of playing for Bafana Bafana in the future. The 26-year-old, who has yet to be capped by Brazil, his home country, has made a significant impact in South African football since joining Sundowns from SK Beveren in July 2023. While Costa would only be eligible to switch his international allegiance in 2028, there has been ongoing speculation about whether he would consider representing South Africa.
Costa’s former Sundowns teammate, Gaston Sirino, received South African citizenship and is now eligible for selection to Bafana Bafana, although his inclusion has sparked mixed reactions. Costa, however, has stated that he has not yet received any offers or invitations to play for the national team. Still, he expressed a willingness to represent South Africa if the opportunity arose, acknowledging the national team’s progress and the role many Sundowns players play in it.
Since joining Sundowns, Costa has enjoyed an impressive run, scoring 22 goals and providing 13 assists in 48 appearances. He believes that he could contribute positively to Bafana Bafana, especially given his high-level performances for Sundowns. Costa emphasized that the national team is the ultimate goal for any footballer, and should an offer to join Bafana Bafana come his way, he would respond with enthusiasm.
