Lucas Ribeiro Costa makes a big statement for PSL Footballer of the Season, while Orlando Pirates seemed stuck on Jose Riveiro hangover, and a red card for Kaizer Chiefs - all in our Weekend Wrap.
Ribeiro yet again for Downs
Mamelodi Sundowns wrapped up their 2024/25 domestic season in style with a dominant 2-0 win over Magesi FC at Loftus on Sunday.
Both goals were courtesy of Ribeiro, who has taken his tally in the league to 16 goals. This is the same number that earned Tshegofatso Mabasa the Golden Boot last term.
The silky Brazilian with nine assists may have done enough to edge out likely competitors Relebohile Mofokeng and Keletso Makgalwa for the coveted Footballer of the Season award.
His teammate and fellow South American, Marcelo Allende, gave him a stamp of affirmation during the post-match celebrations.
It was also a night where the Tshwane giants officially lifted the new-look Betway Premiership trophy, which was unveiled after the match.
READ | Nabi: Chiefs star can reach double digits IF...
Pirates in Riveiro hangover?
Bucs were held to a 1-1 draw by TS Galaxy at Orlando Stadium on Saturday. An underwhelming result for a team fresh off a 3-0 hammering of Golden Arrows as a send-off for then head coach Jose Riveiro.
The match marked the first time in three seasons that Pirates played without the Spaniard in charge , and interim head coach Mandla Ncikazi did not rule out the possibility that his side were feeling the effects of the new reality.
Having taken the lead through a tap-in from Bandile Shandu after being played in by Mohau Nkota, the Soweto giants were disappointing in conceding the equaliser.
Mpho Mvelase scored with virtually the last kick of the match in the 94th minute after a cross was floated in, which found the home side's defence in sixes and sevens and left goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi exposed.
With nothing to play for, they will finish second this season and return to the CAF Champions League next season.
Lilepo saves Chiefs' blushes
The Glamour Boys needed an equaliser from January signing Glody Lilepo to rescue a point against Sekhukhune United at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.
Mpho Rammala had opened the scoring through a brilliant effort from the edge of the box in just the fourth minute, before the Congolese man levelled matters in stoppage time of the first half.
It was the sixth goal of the season for him and one that now makes Lilepo the side's top scorer - perhaps a worrying factor that a player signed four months ago has contributed more goals than any other.
The match ended in dramatic fashion as Pule Mmodi got his marching orders for elbowing an opponent near the touchline.
Nevertheless, Nasdrdddine Nabi will have more pressing matters to worry about as the draw dents Chiefs' chances of making the Top Eight. Amakhosi will now need nothing less than a win against Polokwane City to stand a chance of being in next season's MTN8.
READ | Chiefs to bolster squad? New face at the Village
Elsewhere, Durban City secured promotion to the Betway Premiership with a win over Cape Town Spurs, who subsequently went down to the ABC Motsepe Foundation.
Notably, though, Spurs the match under protest, citing that Jersey No. 17 Saziso Magawana is ineligible to play for the KwaZulu-Natal outfit. The matter will be settled on Tuesday,
Other results:
Polokwane City 0-2 Cape Town City
Marumo Gallants 1-1 Chippa United
