Ribeiro Hails Rayners’ Competition After Betway Premiership Triumph
Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Lucas Ribeiro has lauded his teammate Iqraam Rayners’ work ethic and the fierce competition he provides, following their Betway Premiership victory.
Amasandawana concluded their domestic season with Ribeiro leading the team as the 2024/25 season’s top scorer with an impressive 16 goals, including a 2-0 win in their last match against Magesi at Loftus Stadium on Sunday.
Despite finishing as the league’s leading marksman, the Brazilian emphasized the difficulty of competing with Rayners, who secured the second spot with 14 goals. Ribeiro also highlighted his close, brotherly bond with Marcelo Allende, who was named man of the match.
“Firstly, congratulations to my brother Marcelo [who had a man of the match award],” Ribeiro said. “Congratulations, because Marcelo is my brother on the pitch, but also off the pitch. So, we stick together all the time and fight together on the pitch; it’s natural.”
He continued, “I’m very happy to finish as the top scorer, but congratulations to Iqraam. It’s very difficult to compete with Iqraam because he scores so many goals. In the last five games, he scored a lot.”
“But the most important thing is that the team won on Sunday. That’s the most important thing because Iqraam has a great understanding on the pitch, it’s very nice. Even though he didn’t score this time, next time he’ll try again. I think next time he’ll finish as the top goal scorer,” he added.
Having secured his third trophy with Sundowns, the 26-year-old, who is a strong contender for the player of the season award after his stellar performances throughout the campaign, expressed his delight at their victory. This triumph marks them as the first team to lift the new Betway Premiership trophy.
“But I’m very happy with my team. These are my three trophies with Sundowns; Marcelo has more, but thank you.”
Sundowns wrapped up their league campaign with a remarkable record of 73 points, achieved through 24 wins, one draw, and three losses in 28 matches. This victory signifies their eighth consecutive league title.
Despite their resounding league success, their focus now shifts to the highly anticipated CAF Champions League final against Pyramids FC.
Sundowns are set to host Pyramids for the first leg at a sold-out Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday.
