JOHANNESBURG – Brazilian striker Lucas Ribeiro Costa stole the show at the Premier Soccer League (PSL) Awards held on Tuesday night, walking away with both the Footballer of the Season and the Betway Premiership Players’ Player of the Season titles.
The Mamelodi Sundowns frontman delivered an electric performance across the 2024/25 campaign, scoring 21 goals and assisting 14 more in 51 matches. His efforts helped the Pretoria-based giants secure their eighth consecutive Betway Premiership crown, while also reaching the finals of both the CAF Champions League and Carling Knockout Cup.
Ribeiro’s 16-goal haul in 26 league appearances saw him finish as the Betway Premiership’s top scorer. His sensational strike against Orlando Pirates was also named the Goal of the Season.
The 26-year-old’s future with Sundowns remains uncertain. He departed the club’s training camp on Saturday, fuelling speculation about a move abroad.
Orlando Pirates’ teenage sensation Relebohile Mofokeng also stood out on the night, clinching two awards – the Betway Premiership Young Player of the Season and the MTN8 Last Man Standing accolade. Mofokeng, who played a key role in helping Pirates lift their third straight MTN8 title, is also reportedly on the verge of joining Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq.
Miguel Cardoso, the man behind Sundowns’ league success, was named Coach of the Season, while Orlando Pirates dominated the defensive categories. Sipho Chaine claimed Goalkeeper of the Season, Nkosinathi Sibisi was recognised as Defender of the Season, and Makhehleni Makhaula picked up the Midfielder of the Season title.
The Carling Knockout Player of the Tournament award went to Magesi FC’s Elvis Chipezeze, while Pule Mmodi of Kaizer Chiefs took home the Nedbank Cup Player of the Tournament trophy. His teammate Mbekezeli Mbokazi was named the Most Promising Player in the same competition.
The Motsepe Foundation Championship also handed out top honours, with Muzomuhle Khanyi of Hungry Lions winning both Players’ Player of the Season and Top Goalscorer. Durban City’s Dumsani Msibi earned Goalkeeper of the Season, while Teboho Lekhatla of Casric Stars was named Young Player of the Season.
Stellenbosch FC’s Tylon Smith picked up the DStv Diski Challenge Player of the Season award. Match officials Masixole Bambiso and Kgara Mokoena were honoured as Referee and Assistant Referee of the Season, respectively.
The PSL Chairman’s Award went to Mamelodi Sundowns.
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