Kaizer Chiefs’ most experienced attacking midfielder Gastón Sirino is reportedly heading for the exit door. While Mduduzi Shabalala remains the first-choice number 10, Amakhosi will also be keen to reduce the burden on the youngster.
Luke Baartman is still finding his feet at senior level, while Mfundo Vilakazi has only featured sporadically in the role.
This is Part 2 of a three-part series profiling three different players. Read part 1 here.
KAIZER CHIEFS SHOULD DREAM BIG WITH LUCAS RIBEIRO
If Amakhosi truly want to announce the start of a new era under incoming coach Fernando Da Cruz, then Ribeiro should be among the names at the top of their wishlist.
The 27-year-old Brazilian attacker is currently on holiday while considering his next move after leaving Spanish side Cultural Leonesa. His quality is beyond doubt, having already proved himself as one of the most devastating attacking players to grace the Betway Premiership in recent years.
Perhaps most importantly for Amakhosi, Ribeiro would require no adaptation period. He already understands South African football, knows the demands of the league and has consistently demonstrated his ability to decide matches with goals, assists and moments of individual brilliance.
RIBEIRO’S NUMBERS
Over the past three seasons, Ribeiro has emerged as a lethal forward across both African and European football. He recorded an incredible combined total of 43 goals and 32 assists during this prolific period:
- 2023/2024 Season (Mamelodi Sundowns): 16 goals and 9 assists in 31 games
- 2024/2025 Season (Mamelodi Sundowns): 21 goals and 14 assists in 51 games
- 2025/2026 Season (Cultural Leonesa): 6 goals and 2 assists in 32 games.
- Three-Season Total: 43 goals and 25 assists.
A DIFFICULT DEAL WORTH CHASING
Signing Ribeiro would be far from straightforward.
Although he is available after his departure from Cultural Leonesa, his exit from Mamelodi Sundowns remains tied to an ongoing legal matter before FIFA’s Football Tribunal. At the same time, Sundowns themselves are reportedly interested in bringing him back, setting up the possibility of a fierce battle for his signature.
Competition could also arrive from clubs in North Africa and the Middle East, where financial packages often exceed what South African teams can offer.
For Kaizer Chiefs, however, this is exactly the type of transfer that could redefine perceptions of the club’s ambition. Landing a player of Ribeiro’s calibre would instantly strengthen the creative department while sending a powerful message to rivals and supporters alike.
With Fernando Da Cruz preparing to shape a new-look side at Naturena, Kaizer Chiefs have an opportunity to think beyond safe options. Pursuing Ribeiro would be a high-risk move, but one with the potential to deliver an even greater reward.
