Kaizer Chiefs Told to Consider Signing Former Mamelodi Sundowns Star Ahead of Next Season

Kaizer Chiefs Told to Consider Signing Former Mamelodi Sundowns Star Ahead of Next Season

  • Kaizer Chiefs have been advised to consider signing Lucas Ribeiro Costa, as his contract with a Spanish club runs out
  • The South American midfielder is conversant with the Premier Soccer League during his time with Mamelodi Sundowns
  • The former Glamour Boys head coach explained the reason the Soweto giants need to make the top class signing

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Former Kaizer Chiefs head coach Sergio Dos Santos has suggested that his ex-club consider resigning former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder, Lucas Ribeiro Costa.

Lucas Ribeiro, FIFA Club World Cup, Mamelodi Sundowns, Fluminense FC, Florida.
Lucas Ribeiro in action during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group F match between Mamelodi Sundowns FC and Fluminense FC in Florida. Photo: Carmen Mandato
Source: Getty Images

The Brazilian midfielder is already familiar with the Premier Soccer League after his successful spell with Mamelodi Sundowns, where he won several titles before leaving at the end of last season.

The 27-year-old joined Spanish side Cultural Leonesa after leaving Masandawana. The player's departure was marred by controversy and legal issues, leaving the possibility open for a return to South African football.

Dos Santos urges Chiefs to sign Ribeiro

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Kaizer Chiefs have been showing interest in bolstering their squad by investing in the right players and talents, particularly when it comes to high-profile signings.

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Dos Santos believes Ribeiro embodies what Amakhosi currently lack: leadership, technical skill, and commanding presence in the midfield.

“Ribeiro is a standout player who could make a significant impact for Amakhosi at this stage. He can influence any South African team in a major way,” Dos Santos said.
“If he’s available and a move back to South Africa is possible, I would strongly advise Chiefs to pursue him. We all witnessed the influence Ribeiro had while at Sundowns. He combines skill with excellent game awareness, both on and off the field.
“He has a deep understanding of the game and is the kind of player who can inspire and elevate those around him,” Dos Santos added. He believes Kaizer Chiefs are missing a decisive figure who can shoulder responsibility in key moments.
“At 26, Ribeiro is still young and represents a promising long-term investment. His style of play could help develop younger talent at Kaizer Chiefs.”

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Kaizer Chiefs hold discussions with former Sundowns coach ahead of next season

Ribeiro compared to an Orlando Pirates star

Dos Santos went on to compare Ribeiro to Orlando Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng. He claimed Kaizer Chiefs need a creative player in the midfielder the same way Mofokeng influences the Sea Robbers' game.

Lucas Ribeiro, Premier Soccer League, Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, Makhehlene Makhaula.
Lucas Ribeiro fights for the ball with Makhehlene Makhaula during the Premier Soccer League football match between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns. Photo: Phill Magakoe
Source: Getty Images
“Kaizer Chiefs need a creative spark in midfield, someone ready to go the extra mile. Ribeiro could fill that role, similar to how Relebohile Mofokeng influences Orlando Pirates," he added.
“At present, Chiefs are lacking that kind of presence. Ribeiro could become to Amakhosi what Mofokeng is to Pirates. Bringing him in would be both a strategic and beneficial move. It’s a daring recommendation, but one that directly addresses the Glamour Boys’ most glaring weakness."

Kaizer Chiefs' youngster joins Pirates

Briefly News also reported that a Kaizer Chiefs promising player nicknamed 'Messi' has left the club for the bitter rivals, Orlando Pirates.

The youngster was tipped to make it into Amakhosi's first team in the future, but he would now be playing for the Bucs.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Raphael Abiola avatar

Raphael Abiola (Sports editor) Raphael Abiola is a Nigerian Sports Journalist with over seven years of experience. He obtained a B.Tech degree in Computer Science from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, in 2015. Raphael previously worked as a football editor at Stakegains (2016-2018) and a content editor with Opera News Nigeria (2018-2023). Raphael then worked as an Editor for the Local Desk at Sports Brief (2023-2024). Reach him via email at raphael.abiola@briefly.co.za.