Mamelodi Sundowns forward Lucas Ribeiro backed by former teammate Gaston Sirino to win Footballer of the Season
Former teammate and friend Gaston Sirino has backed Mamelodi Sundowns forward Lucas Ribeiro to win the Footballer of the Season Award. Ribeiro, who narrowly missed out on the award last season to Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, is the favourite this time around after another impressive campaign.
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With 16 goals and 11 assists in 43 appearances across all competitions, the 26-year-old Brazilian has been in scintillating form. “Lucas Ribeiro is a top player and my friend,” said Sirino during a training session at Kaizer Chiefs. “I think he has the quality to be player of the season. The numbers speak for themselves, and he consistently performs at a high level in every game. For me, he is the best player in South Africa right now.”
Sundowns’ Ribeiro ‘a top player’
Ribeiro will have the opportunity to further showcase his talents as Sundowns face Chippa United at Loftus Stadium in the Betway Premiership. The Tshwane giants are on the cusp of securing their eighth consecutive Premiership title and will be looking to wrap it up quickly with the upcoming Caf Champions League final in May.
Despite a recent dip in form with just one goal and four assists in his last ten Premiership matches, Ribeiro remains a key figure for Sundowns. In contrast, striker Iqraam Rayners has been in excellent form with five goals and six assists in his last eight league outings.
With a deep and talented squad, Sundowns have the luxury of options to maintain their winning ways. Their upcoming match against Chippa United will mark their first meeting this season, with a return fixture just eight days later.
Too much class
Chippa United, who have struggled to secure a win in their last four league matches, will face a tough challenge against the dominant Sundowns. Despite being 31 points adrift of Sundowns, Chippa finds themselves just seven points ahead of 15th-placed Cape Town City in the tightly contested mid-to-bottom section of the Premiership table.
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