Former PSL Player of the Season Tefu Mashamaite says there shouldn’t be any debates as far as the 2024/25 Betway Premiership player of the season is concerned and that according to him should be given to Mamelodi Sundowns’ Lucas Ribeiro.
Ribeiro has been instrumental for Sundowns as they clinched their unprecedented eighth league title in a row with a record of 65 goals with the Brazilian netting 16 of those goals to be crowned the Lesley Manyathela Golden Boot winner.
Mashamaite spoke to iDiski Times writer Lethabo Kganyago in edition 206 of the newspaper where he said it shouldn’t even be up for debate as Ribeiro has also brought a different dynamic to South African football.
“Can I just give you the outright, and let’s be fair, [Lucas] Ribeiro has just been amazing,” the former Kaizer Chiefs captain told iDiski Times.
“He’s just been marvellous. I know people are saying his form dipped, but the man has been on a different level; the goals he has scored, he has just brought a different quality to South African football. I think it’s a no-brainer. Come on, let’s give the man what he deserves.”
As far as the candidates for the Coach of the Season, Mashamaite said he’s undecided between Miguel Cardoso, Jose Riveiro, Phuti Mohafe and Steve Barker.
“Coach of the Season, eish I was going to say the Sundowns coach, but he came in when the ground was already laid,” added Mashamaite.
“I want to say [Jose] Riveiro, but people are going to say he didn’t win anything. This is one coach who has been consistent throughout. He took Pirates all the way to the semi-finals of the Champions League after so many years that they hadn’t competed. For me, I think I’m leaning more towards him, and I think he has a better shot at it. And if Polokwane City were still in the top four, I’d say coach Phuti [Mohafe] also deserves his name to be thrown in there.
“Yeah, I think let’s consider Riveiro and then the Sundowns coach and my man Steve Barker. He’s also just consolidated the foundation that they have laid, the team even going all the way to the semi-final of the Confed Cup in less than 20 years of existence. Quality players left, and he found replacements for them.
“I think his name also deserves to be in the hat.”
Did you know that the iDiski Times Digital Newspaper is completely free! Download it now by clicking the button below or fill in the form to have it sent to you every week.
