Orlando Pirates legend Lucas Thwala has crowned Mamelodi Sundowns’ Lucas Ribeiro Costa as the standout Player of the Season for the 2024/25 Betway Premiership, praising the Brazilian’s exceptional impact this campaign.
The Sundowns star helped his team clinch the league title for the second time since joining, with the Pretoria giants sealing the championship a game early after a strong away win against Chippa United. Sundowns finished the season with an impressive 70 points and a record-breaking 63 goals scored.
Ribeiro Costa shone brightly throughout the season, netting 16 goals and assisting nine times, earning him the Golden Boot alongside his second league winner’s medal.
Speaking to iDiskiTimes, Thwala—who himself won the PSL Player of the Season award in 2009—highlighted Ribeiro’s unique qualities that made him the best player in the league this year.
“That player is incredibly dangerous,” Thwala explained. “He plays with a calmness that tricks defenders into underestimating him, but he’s quick and clever. His acceleration is deadly, and he blends skill and speed seamlessly. He’s usually quiet on the pitch but constantly looking for chances to exploit, especially when he has the ball.”
Thwala added, “Ribeiro doesn’t rush his decisions. Instead, he uses his pace to outsmart defenders and break into scoring positions. His technique near the box is outstanding—he can either fire powerful shots or place the ball perfectly at the far post.”
“Without a doubt, he was the best player in the PSL this season,” concluded the former Pirates defender.
