Lucas Ribeiro Exits Sundowns: Kaizer Chiefs’ Secret Signings and Pirates’ Internal Battle – “Because When Stars Leave, Drama Follows”
Mamelodi Sundowns’ camp was rocked by unexpected news: Brazilian forward Lucas Ribeiro Costa has abruptly left the team’s pre-season training base in Rustenberg.
Just days after the squad returned from the FIFA Club World Cup, Ribeiro packed his bags, signaling what many believe is the beginning of the end of his Sundowns tenure.
The 26-year-old attacker, who has been nothing short of sensational since joining Sundowns in June 2023, reportedly requested to leave the camp amid advanced transfer negotiations.
His impressive record—25 goal contributions in 51 appearances, a league title, and the unforgettable solo goal against Borussia Dortmund that earned him the Club World Cup’s Goal of the Tournament—makes this departure all the more shocking.
Rumors swirl that Ribeiro’s next destination could be his home country’s club Fluminense, which recently sold star Jean for a staggering 350 million rand.
With such funds available, Fluminense appears poised to make a big splash, and Ribeiro could be their marquee signing.
Other suitors from Qatar, France, and Belgium are also reportedly circling, adding to the intrigue.
For Sundowns, this is a pivotal moment.
Do they cash in on a player at peak value or attempt to retain him for another season’s push?
Fans and pundits alike are divided, debating whether the club should hold on or let Ribeiro go while the market is hot.
Meanwhile, over at Kaizer Chiefs, head coach Nazarin Nabi is taking a measured approach to transfers.
After already bringing in six new players—including Flavio Silva, Ethan Chislett, and Tabby—the club insists that any further additions must be of top quality, not just squad fillers.
Nabi’s strategy reflects a desire to build a balanced, competitive team capable of handling the grueling demands of the upcoming season and the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, which promises fixture congestion.
He also emphasized nurturing young talent from the club’s DSTV Diski Challenge team, signaling a long-term vision that blends experience with youth development.
Chiefs fans are left wondering which positions will see reinforcement and whether more young players will get their chance to shine.
Nabi’s cautious but ambitious approach aims to avoid the pitfalls of past seasons where rushed signings failed to deliver.
Adding to the player movement drama, former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Kanye has weighed in on the future of Zakasa Lebasa, who recently parted ways with Orlando Pirates.
Lebasa, 28, struggled with injuries during his injury-plagued stint at Pirates, making just 64 appearances and scoring 15 goals over several loan spells and seasons.
Now a free agent, Lebasa is being tipped to revive his career at clubs like Orbit, where he could reunite with former teammate Muna Salen, or possibly Skukuna, who reportedly have the resources to sign him.
Kanye argues that despite recent struggles, Lebasa’s talent and determination mean he can still contribute significantly if given the right environment.
This brings us to Orlando Pirates themselves, who, despite a strong season reaching two domestic cup finals and the CAF Champions League semifinals, finished second in the Betway Premiership again.
The club has bolstered its squad with nine new signings, including promising talents Cumble and Oswin Apollus.
Legendary striker Albert Matangu believes that Pirates’ main challenge this season won’t just be Sundowns or other rivals—it will be themselves.
According to Matangu, the team has the quality and depth to be dominant, but only if they can fix the small issues that held them back last season.
“Pirates are the only team that can beat Pirates,” Matangu stated confidently.
He acknowledged Sundowns’ superiority but insisted that the Buccaneers’ new additions and existing core make them a force to be reckoned with.
As the transfer window continues to churn, these developments underscore a South African football scene brimming with tension, ambition, and high stakes.
Ribeiro’s potential exit could trigger a domino effect across clubs, Chiefs’ calculated transfer policy may set a new standard for squad building, and Pirates face the daunting task of turning promise into trophies.
Fans across the nation are left to speculate, debate, and dream.
Will Ribeiro’s departure weaken Sundowns or free the Brazilian for greater glory elsewhere?
Can Chiefs’ selective signings translate into silverware?
And will Pirates overcome their internal hurdles to finally claim the top prize?
One thing is certain: the 2025-2026 season promises to be a rollercoaster of emotions, transfers, and fierce competition.
Stay tuned as we continue to bring you the latest updates, insider insights, and all the drama that makes South African football so captivating.
