Brazilian forward Lucas Ribeiro scored twice as Mamelodi Sundowns wrapped up their Betway Premiership season with a 2-0 victory over bottom-ranked Magesi FC in Pretoria on Sunday. This performance brought Ribeiro’s league goal tally to 16, surpassing teammate Iqraam Rayners by two goals, and leaving him eight ahead of fellow Brazilian Arthur Sales and Devin Titus of third-placed Stellenbosch FC.
Ribeiro, who joined Sundowns from Belgian club Beveren in mid-2023, received high praise from Chilean midfielder Marcelo Allende, who declared, “Lucas is not only the best footballer in South Africa, but also the best in Africa.”
Ribeiro opened the scoring in the fourth minute, redirecting a Rayners shot past veteran Zimbabwean goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze. His second came in the 22nd minute, following a clever free-kick move that allowed him to place the ball neatly into the corner while Chipezeze remained rooted to the spot.
Sundowns dominated the first half, with a Rayners header from a Ribeiro cross and a Teboho Mokoena free-kick both striking the woodwork. The second half saw more control from the home side, though Sales missed a golden opportunity to extend their lead with a misjudged low cross.
Portuguese coach Miguel Cardoso, who took over in December after the dismissal of Manqoba Mngqithi, praised the performance, saying, “It was a pleasure to watch Sundowns playing tonight. There was energy, character, and happiness from the players. The second goal was perfectly constructed. I hope all South Africans are proud of Sundowns because they are fantastic ambassadors for the country.”
With a 73-point total, Mamelodi Sundowns clinched their eighth consecutive Premiership title, matching last season’s record. Now, their focus shifts to the upcoming two-leg CAF Champions League final against Egyptian side Pyramids, followed by the revamped Club World Cup in the United States. In the Club World Cup, Sundowns will face Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, and South Korean team Ulsan in Group F, alongside African giants Al Ahly, Esperance, and Wydad Casablanca.
