Cardoso supports Ribeiro for the season’s MVP award

Lucas Ribeiro Costa should win Betway Premiership player of the season, according to head coach Miguel Cardoso, as Mamelodi Sundowns near an eighth straight South African league title.

Cardoso said that Ribeiro was “clearly the player of the league this season” following Wednesday’s 3-0 victory over Chippa United.

With 13 goals and seven assists in 24 league games for Masandawana this season, the Brazilian national has been instrumental in Sundowns’ campaign.

“With his stats, he will most likely win Player of the Season. His goals, assists, and quality play this season are incredible, and I believe he’s a player who adds something unique to the field,” Cardoso stated.

“It’s a team that promotes a player, but Lucas also had times when he greatly aided the team, as evidenced by the goals he’s scored, the beautiful goals he’s scored, and the moments he’s carried the team forward.”

“He is my favorite candidate; I haven’t seen anyone express themselves at the same level as Lucas for so long, and even in the past year,” he said.

For the past four seasons, Sundowns players have taken home the honor: Teboho Mokoena last season, Peter Shalulile for two straight seasons, and Themba Zwane in 2019–20.

Masandawana leads the Orlando Pirates with nine points at the top of the Betway Premiership standings. On Sunday, they will play Stellenbosch FC at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium in an attempt to increase their lead by three points.