Brazilian forward Lucas Ribeiro is a hot topic on the football streets at the moment, with fans calling for the star to be called up to the national team.

Ribeiro has had an impressive campaign for Mamelodi Sundowns this season, being a pivotal part of the team staying at the top of the Betway Premiership standings.

A number of “hype men” have also called for Uruguayan forward Gaston Sirino to be called up. He currently plies his trade for Kaizer Chiefs.

Former Bafana Bafana stars Tsepo Masilela and Moeneeb Josephs shared their opinion on the Soccerbeat YouTube channel about the matter.

“We don’t doubt the quality, he is a helluva player, a marvel to watch and I remember not so long ago there was this talk about Sirino of should we have him in the Bafana squad,” Masilela said on Soccerbeat.

“I don’t remember us doing it in our national team (before) and to start now, why? Because it will open a can of worms.

“We would love to have him but let’s stick to what we have been doing. That’s just my opinion.”

Josephs, a player for Bafana in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, is also advocating for South Africa to support its talent.

“He is an amazing player, no doubt Lucas is an amazing player, even Sirino. Great players and for them to play in our league it’s a big complement, a massive complement but to have all of sudden wanting to play for the national team I think it will leave a sour taste in a lot of players’ mouths and South African fans as well,” Josephs said.

“I’m one of those as well. Anyone would love to have the best players in the team in their teams but unfortunately, we have quality as well that we need to groom.”