Hugo Broos Gives Honest Opinion About Lucas Ribeiro Playing for Bafana Bafana

• Hugo Broos has aired his views about the constant call for Lucas Ribeiro Costa to represent the South African national team on international level
• The Brazilian-born forward is arguably the best player so far in the Premier Soccer League this season, but he doesn't get called up by his country of birth
• South African also shared their thoughts on Bafana Bafana coach's comments about the Mamelodi Sundowns star

South African national team coach Hugo Broos has shared his thoughts on the possibility of Mamelodi Sundowns forward Lucas Ribeiro representing Bafana Bafana on the international level.

The Brazilian-born star is having an amazing season with the defending champions, and he's currently the highest scorer in the Betway Premiership with 13 goals. He has scored 16 goals and provided 11 assists in 34 matches in all competitions this campaign.

The 26-year-old star once claimed that he is eager and willing to represent South African on he international level ditching his nation, Brazil.

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Broos speaks about Ribeiro representing Bafana Bafana

In a recent interview as per FARPost, Broos acknowledged the fact that Ribeiro is an amazing player but wants calls of him representing Bafana Bafana to cool off.

“It’s not about whether I like the player or not,” Broos told eNCA.

“He’s undoubtedly a talented player, but I don’t believe we should take it too far. I’m not in favour of naturalizing foreign players or granting them South African citizenship. That’s not the right way to approach things.”

Although Broos is firmly against naturalizing foreign players, he does concede that if a player is truly an “exception,” it could be worth considering.

“We must also respect our South African players. However, if there is a genuine exception, and if it makes sense, then perhaps we should consider it,” he added.

Fans react to Broos' comments about Ribeiro playing for Bafana

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LordPiccoloSA said:

"We have serious talent but if we go to the World Cup we gotta swallow our pride and increase our chances with him.. imagine if we’re in the same group with Brazil at the World Cup and we have him that would be interesting… 😮‍💨 by the way teams in Europe are doing it why not us? We gotta do what we gotta do to ensure our football stance in the world!!! Southern African football is taking over…"

Sipho wrote:

"Spain does it all the time , but because he thinks he’s clever and he rejects the idea."

ronaldanele added:

"He can't a get call from Brazil national team right....SA got so much talent please."

peacenationone commented:

"Ribiero is an incredible player but we have enough talent and players of our own. Let’s take pride in our own first. I agree with Broos. We are not desperate."

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TheRealAlostro reacted:

"This is something we should definitely reject because they'll soon be questions as to why that Nigerian boy who plays for Supersport isn't in the Bafana squad, and if he's ever selected we'll have another Chidimma fiasco. So please, let's keep foreign players out of the squad."

Alan Sithole shared:

"It`s not up to him, and it shouldn`t. If Riberio is saying yes and SAFA agree they should make it happen. Emotional decisions aint gonna get us anywhere. When BB has won AFCON, no one will be saying but we had Ribeiro. Fans and the nation will celebrate the achievement."

14 players dropped from Bafana Bafana squad ahead of WCQ

Briefly News also listed all the 14 players that didn't make the final cut of Bafana Bafana squad ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.

Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC dominated the list with more players dropped from the preliminary squad.

Source: Briefly News