‘I was once in Ribeiro’s shoes’ – Khune

Former Kaizer Chiefs captain Itumeleng Khune says he understands why Mamelodi Sundowns forward Lucas Ribeiro wants to play overseas.

The 26-year-old Brazilian was a star in the FIFA Club World for Masandawana and has attracted a lot of teams abroad.

On Thursday, Soccer Laduma reported that Ribeiro was heading to the FIFA Football Tribunal to have his contract terminated. In the statement, the player said he would consider what was best for his future.

Last week, Khune told the same publication that the Sundowns playmaker should not reject offers from top teams.

“Remember, Ribeiro is a foreigner, first of all. He comes from Brazil, and in Brazil players are very talented, they all want to compete in big leagues because that’s how you get into the national team,” Khune said.

“If you want to be called up, you have to play in the top five leagues. The South African league is in the top 10 or 20, but for a Brazilian, Europe is where you prove yourself.”

Ribeiro set to leave Sundowns

“If I were Ribeiro, I was once in his shoes. Unfortunately, such opportunities never came for me, or maybe we weren’t told at the time. He is in a position now where, if the opportunity comes, he must take it. We all remember last season, there was talk of him taking South African citizenship to play for Bafana, but he probably realises he stands no chance of playing for Brazil if he stays here. So, what’s next? Go to a big league, get noticed, and earn that national team call-up.”

Khune also hailed Ribeiro’s influence at Chloorkop, saying that without him, the club lacked creativity upfront.

“You could see the difference when he wasn’t there, Sundowns looked different and lacked creativity upfront without his intelligence. He has proven over and over that he’s a prolific player any team would need. I wouldn’t be surprised if one of the big European clubs comes for his signature. I believe he will make it in the big leagues.”