Lucas Ribeiro grabs PSL Golden Boot as Sundowns finish season in style

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Mamelodi Sundowns finished the season with a flourish as they beat Magesi FC 2-0 at the Loftus Versfeld on Sunday.

In a game that did not have much meaning, having already won the PSL crown on Wednesday, coach Miguel Cardoso still fielded a full-strength squad when most thought he would shuffle his pack with an eye on the CAF Champions League final.

Sundowns had all their big hitters available and they did not take long to show their might as they went ahead after just four minutes when Iqraam Rayners and Lucas Ribeiro combined for the opening goal.

Ribeiro and Rayners torment Magesi

Rayners and Ribeiro, who came into the match both on 14 league goals and looking to win the Golden Boot, had the former fire in and the latter got a slight touch to direct the ball into the net.

It should have been 2-0 shortly after when Marcelo Allende played in Ribeiro, who found Rayners with a deft touch, but the former Stellenbosch striker fired directly at Elvis Chipezeze in the Magesi goal.  

The second goal arrived in the 22nd minute when Ribeiro completed his brace for his 16th goal of the season to grab the Golden Boot.

From a freekick, Allende passed to an unmarked Ribeiro on the edge of the box and the Brazilian controlled it before firing into the top corner with Chipezeze rooted to his spot.

What next for Mamelodi Sundowns?

Teboho Mokoena then had a chance to extend the lead in the 37th minute through his brilliant freekick but it hit the post.

Sundowns had half chances falling to substitute Peter Shalulile and Arthur Sales but they were not troubled at the other end and won it easily to take their points to 73.

Mamelodi Sundowns celebrate winning the PSL title. Photo – Betway

The Brazilians were officially handed the new Betway Premiership trophy that will come with a R20 million for winning the league.

Sundowns will now turn their focus to the CAF Champions League final against Egyptian side Pyramids with the first leg set to take place on May 24.

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.