Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Neo Maema feels Lucas Ribeiro Costa is a talent that arguably South African football has never experienced.
Costa, 26, is earning widespread plaudits this season, despite showing his quality in his debut campaign, there are already discussions that he’s now one of the best in the league.
With Maema playing alongside him over the past year and a half, he’s seen first-hand in matches and training what the Brazilian, who was lured to Sundowns from Belgian club SK Beveren, is capable of.
“Lucas is a top player, something we have arguably never seen in this country, you know he possesses a great finish you know, a left foot that that you can learn from,” Maema said.
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“He is a great teammate, he’s a brother and we’ve tried him also when it comes to the English part [learning] off the pitch, but he’s a great player and we can’t wait to see what more he can produce for us.”
Former Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena said on several occasions that Costa has yet to show what he can really do, something that has now been echoed by Manqoba Mnqqithi as the plaudits have continued to flow for his performances in the new team tactical system.
And while Costa appreciates the praise, he’s mindful that there’s another level to reach with six goals and four assists in 11 games in all competitions so far this season.
“I understand that it’s mentioned that I have not shown my best level yet, which has been the case since I joined the club and representing the Sundowns shirt,” Costa said about coaches stating he’s not shown his true potential yet.
“I have performed well… but at this moment it’s difficult to say there’s a certain level I will reach because every season is different with many challenges to achieve objectives that is different, but what I can say every season I will give my best.
“It’s difficult to put into words what the best of me is, but what I can say is that I will give the best of everything I do for Sundowns.”
