Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Teko Modise believes Lucas Ribeiro’s performances for Sundowns make him the favorite to win the Premier Soccer League Footballer of the Season award.
This comes after Ribeiro’s outstanding display for the Tshwane-based club helped them secure a dominant 4-1 victory over Pirates at Loftus Versfeld Stadium last Saturday.
The Brazilian forward currently leads the league’s goal-scoring charts with nine goals, underlining his superiority over his peers, especially after scoring a brace against the Buccaneers.
Speaking on the Pitchside Podcast on Sundowns TV, Modise emphasized that the 26-year-old Ribeiro is the undisputed Footballer of the Season.
Modise also highlighted how Ribeiro’s individual performances, combined with Sundowns’ overall quality, continue to set them apart from the competition.
“It was one of those games that separated men from boys and showed why Mamelodi Sundowns has been the most dominant team for so long,” said Modise on the Downs Podcast.
“I think it was about time to remind people of our quality. When you’re a team or a person who always strives to be at the top, you’re constantly given the tools to stay there. But once you’re at the top for too long, people start trying to bring you down.
“And that’s been the case with Mamelodi Sundowns this season. I think this game was the perfect reminder of why Sundowns is the team they are. I strongly believe, as you rightly said, there should have been even more goals. And yes, it certifies who the Footballer of the Year is – and we all know who that is.”