The Lucas Ribeiro and Mamelodi Sundowns story may not be over yet.
While the Brazilian attacker’s exit from Chloorkop left many supporters disappointed, former Sundowns captain Hlompho Kekana believes there is still a possibility of the two parties finding their way back to each other.
Speaking on Soccer Zone, Kekana admitted that Ribeiro’s departure damaged what had been a special relationship between the player and the club, but insisted that the quality and impact of the attacker cannot be questioned.
“We love the boy. We really love the boy. He has done so much for us, and we all know that he’s a good boy,” Kekana said.
The former Sundowns skipper believes the situation can be repaired, saying football relationships sometimes go through difficult moments.
“Whatever got into his head during the Club World Cup really spoiled a good thing, a good relationship between Sundowns and himself. But of course, kuyaxatyanywa ngabantu (people fight), and one day we sit on the table and shake hands.”
Kekana believes that if Ribeiro wants another chapter with Sundowns, both sides can find common ground.
“I just hope if he wants to play for Mamelodi Sundowns again, he can maybe swallow his pride and come and accept that he was wrong. But I don’t think the club will deny him to come and play for us.”
From hero to headline-maker
Ribeiro became one of Sundowns’ biggest stars after arriving from SK Beveren, winning admirers with his creativity, goals and ability to change matches.
However, after the FIFA Club World Cup, his future became uncertain as disagreements emerged over his contract situation and a potential move away from the club.
Ribeiro’s camp challenged the situation, while Sundowns maintained their stance regarding the value of a player still under contract.
After leaving Sundowns, Ribeiro moved to Spain, where he continued his career while the contractual dispute remained a talking point.
A return would create a frightening Sundowns attack
If the stars align and Ribeiro makes a sensational return, he would be joining a Sundowns attack that is already packed with firepower.
Since arriving in January, Colombian striker Brayan Léon has taken South African football by storm, bringing power, movement and goals to the Brazilians’ frontline.
Alongside him is Iqraam Rayners, who has fought his way back into the Bafana Bafana picture and earned his place at the FIFA World Cup after a strong run of form.
Sundowns have also added more attacking options with the arrival of Siphesihle Ndlovu and Antonio Van Wyk, giving coach Miguel Cardoso even more weapons to choose from.
A front line featuring Léon, Rayners and Ribeiro would arguably be one of the most dangerous attacking combinations in African football.
Can the prodigal son return?
A Ribeiro comeback would not only be about football — it would be about rebuilding trust.
The talent was never in doubt. The Brazilian proved he can be a difference-maker at the highest level.
The question is whether both sides can put the past behind them.
As Kekana suggested, sometimes football creates broken relationships — but it also creates opportunities for reunions.
And if Lucas Ribeiro walks back into Chloorkop, he would not be returning to the same Sundowns he left.
He would be joining a team that may be even more dangerous than before.
