Lucas Ribeiro Costa believes he is at the ‘right place’ at Mamelodi Sundowns after a difficult time in Europe. Photo: BackpagePix
Lucas Ribeiro Costa didn’t imagine it would get this big. But such has been the change in fortunes in his career since landing in South Africa, he’s soaking it all in.
The Mamelodi Sundowns talisman has been one of the best players in the top-flight in the last 18 months, including winning the league.
His maiden season didn’t yield any individual major trophy at the PSL awards, as teammate Ronwen Williams scooped the coveted Footballer of the Season gong.
However, such has been his fine exploits this season, the 26-year-old has taken things up a notch – thanks to his attacking prowess and knack for goals.
He has been recognised with the Player of the Month award for November and December, and Goal of the Month for January.
His other recognitions includes winning multiple Player of the Match awards as he strives to guide Sundowns to a record eighth Premiership title in succession.
But having endured the trials and tribulations of being a mechanic and loaned out from one club to another in Europe, the Brazilian didn’t think it would be this big.
“Without a doubt, I have never imagined that I would be at this point in my life, and career,” said Ribeiro through the club’s translator, Bheki, in Chloorkop yesterday.
“But for sure, I have come to the right place. So, I am grateful to my teammates who are helping me, and the opportunity from the club.
“I am grateful to the fans who are embracing and supporting me. I hear you saying that I am a good player, but I strive to be a good person even more.”
Ribeiro, though, knows that there’s still room for improvement in his game, especially having had fluctuating performances during the first half of the campaign.
He is not making excuses, though, but said that the demands that come with playing tons of matches across the continent often takes its toll.
“Like with the schedule we have at the club, it’s difficult to maintain the same performance at the highest level. But the ultimate goal is to play there,” Ribeiro said.
“We play games after every three days, so the performance varies in that regard. The goal is to always play at the highest level.
𝐆𝐨𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 🔝
— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) February 6, 2025
Lucas Ribeiro Costa’s brilliant goal for @Masandawana is the January Goal of the Month in the #BetwayPrem 🏆 pic.twitter.com/VmiWP2Wkug
“But with the travelling and games that come in between, there’d be a drop in the performance and output of the game. But that doesn’t mean there’s no desire to achieve more.
“You are sometimes expected to achieve 60 games a season – something that I have ever been exposed to. So, it’s mainly because of external factors.”
Ribeiro will want to overcome the external factors once more when they host rivals Orlando Pirates at Loftus Versfeld tomorrow (3.30pm kick-off) in a Premiership top-of-the-table clash.
The Brazilian struggled in his last game against the Sea Robbers as he missed a penalty, resulting in them losing 2-1 in the Nedbank Cup final at Mbombela Stadium.
Ribeiro, though, is not reading too much into his – or the team’s shortcomings last season – saying the new campaign has given him a chance to write new chapters in his Sundowns story.
Asekho Tiwani talks to us about yesterday's emphatic #TshwaneDerby win in Atteridgeville! 👆#Sundowns #BetwayPrem #RabatsenaGape pic.twitter.com/OyDYuTdFSU
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) February 6, 2025
“What happened with the penalty last season belongs to the past. The focus is on the new season, because I am enjoying the new things that are coming,” Ribeiro said.
“The penalty against Pirates doesn’t even affect me. But, for sure, whenever we play against (Kaizer) Chiefs or Pirates, the stadium is full.
“I always like to play in those matches, because I believe that I am the type of player who performs in front of such an audience.
“I am super excited for the upcoming game. I’ll prepare well.”
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