Mamelodi Sundowns successfully defended their Premier Soccer League crown, winning it for the eighth time in a row.
It was coach Miguel Cardoso's first crown in South Africa, after taking over from Manqoba Mngqithi, who had failed to deliver in the MTN8 and the Carling Knockout. Cardoso's Masandawana won by record goals and reached the Nedbank Cup semi-final but fell to eventual champions Kaizer Chiefs.
Former Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro had a relatively good season in the Premier Soccer League. He helped the team push hard for the crown and secured the second position with a couple of games remaining.
The Soweto giants defended their MTN8 crown, and reached the Nedbank Cup final but ended up losing to rivals Amakhosi. There have been suggestions that Riveiro should be considered for the Coach of the Year Award instead of the Masandawana tactician.
Why is Mngqithi favouring Cardoso and Ribeiro?
Nevertheless, Mngqithi strongly believes Cardoso and Lucas Ribeiro have done everything to deserve the prestigious individual awards.
“For me, I'd give it [the Coach of the Season award] to Cardoso because I think the team [Sundowns] has been strong. The team has lost fewer matches [only three] and has conceded less [just 13 goals] … they've also scored more than any other team [they scored 65 goals]. If you don't give it to him [Cardoso], why not? He deserves it,” he said as quoted by the Sowetan.
“I think Lucas deserves it [the Player of the Season gong]. Iqraam is also close, but in my opinion, Lucas is probably at the top of the list to collect almost everything,” he concluded.
On Sunday, Sundowns will be in Egypt to play Pyramids in the second leg of the Caf Champions League final. The initial one, played in Mzansi, ended 1-1.
