Kaizer Chiefs have been advised to consider adding a highly rated midfielder who won PSL Footballer of the Season while with Mamelodi Sundowns to their roster for next season.
Luas Ribeiro Costa left Sundowns under controversial circumstances to join Cultural Leonesa, a club in the Spanish third tier.
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His departure led to a legal dispute with the Chloorkop-based outfit.
He signed a one-year contract with an option for renewal at his new club.
Meanwhile. Chiefs have previously shown a willingness to pay hefty salaries to players that have joined as marquee signings.
They have, at times, match their Tshwane rivals in terms of salary offerings, with the main difference being in winning bonus agreements.
“Ribeiro is an exceptional player and [would be] a valuable addition for Amakhosi at this time.”
“He has the ability to impact any team in South Africa in a big way,” says former Chiefs coach Sergio Dos Santos, speaking to KickOff.
“If he is available and can be brought back to South Africa, I would strongly recommend that Chiefs get him. We all saw Ribeiro’s influence during his tenure at Sundowns. He has both skill and situational awareness on and off the field.
“He understands the game thoroughly and is the type of player who can motivate others. The current challenge at Chiefs is the absence of such a leader, an individual who can carry the team and command respect from opponents.
“At 26, Ribeiro remains young and is a promising investment. His playing style has the potential to uplift younger players at Chiefs. He is precisely the type of player needed to elevate the club to greater heights.
“Chiefs require a creative playmaker, someone willing to give that extra effort.”
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“Ribeiro could serve as a key figure for Chiefs, similar to [Relebohile] Mofokeng’s role at Pirates,” he adds.
“Currently, the club lacks that presence. Ribeiro can be for Chiefs what Mofokeng is for Pirates. Signing Ribeiro would be a strategic and beneficial decision.”
