Latest news with #Players'PlayeroftheSeason
The Citizen
a day ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Where's the glamour? PSL Awards fail to deliver
The event felt more like an administrative box-ticking exercise. It wouldn't be harsh to say the 2025 PSL Awards ceremony was a disappointment because it's simply an honest reflection. This has little to do with whether the winners, the issue lies in the lacklustre and uninspired presentation, and absence of the very people these awards are meant to celebrate, the players. Soulless PSL spectacle What should have been a night to celebrate the players, the very heartbeat of the PSL product, turned into a soulless spectacle. The whole ceremony looked pre-recorded which diluted the occasion and, frankly, stripped it of its significance. The event felt more like an administrative box-ticking exercise. ALSO READ: Orlando Pirates appoint new captain ahead of 2025/26 season What we were given instead were pre-recorded speeches, most of them echoing the same tired script. It was robotic and repetitive, devoid of genuine emotion or individual personality. They were painfully rehearsed, most recipients delivered near-identical lines and there was no spontaneity. Even Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie read his Footballer of the Season announcement off a piece of paper, failing to add any flair to what should have been the climax of the night. The entire event lacked personality and it's hard to say it was a celebration of elite footballers in South Africa. Take Lucas Ribeiro, for example. On social media, he was visibly elated after being named both Footballer of the Season and Players' Player of the Season. That's the kind of raw emotion the ceremony needed, players celebrating with their peers and coaches Drab packaging Another glaring omission was the traditional announcement of prize money. In the past, figures were publicly revealed, adding prestige to the awards and recognising the financial value of the players' performances. This year, the public was left to speculate. At the end of the night, Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Ribeiro deservedly walked away with four awards, Footballer of the Season, Players' Player of the Season, Top Goalscorer, and Goal of the Season. Even his brilliance couldn't save the ceremony from its drab packaging. The PSL has long been regarded as Africa's top football league, and rightly so, but this ceremony did nothing to reflect that. There was no red carpet and no atmosphere. Instead, it felt like an afterthought. It's baffling that the PSL, hailed as the continent's best domestic competition, delivered an event that lacked glamour, excitement, and authenticity. Gone are the days of red carpets, flashing cameras, and an electric atmosphere where the beautiful game's finest mingled under one roof to celebrate a season of hard work and brilliance. Rekindle the magic The essence of what the awards should represent has been lost. It's now up to the league's leadership to rekindle the magic and to restore the prestige and energy that once made the PSL Awards the hottest event on the South African sporting calendar. ALSO READ: Sundowns' Cardoso hails collective effort after winning PSL award The awards should be a tribute to those who entertain us throughout the season. Unfortunately, the 2025 edition fell flat. The passion was missing. It's time for the league to regroup and reimagine this event. The players, the fans, and South African football as a whole deserve better.
The South African
a day ago
- Sport
- The South African
Confirmed: Sundowns star gets half a million in one day
Following a stellar season in Mamelodi Sundowns colours, Ribeiro walked away with four major individual awards, including the coveted Footballer of the Season title. During the season, Ribeiro scored 21 goals and contributed 14 assists across all competitions. In the league, he finished with 16 goals in 26 appearances, earning the Sundowns star the Lesley Manyathela Golden Boot as the top scorer in the Betway Premiership. Thanks to his superb performances, Ribeiro earned a total of R550,000 in prize money from the PSL Awards. Let's take a closer look at his awards and prize money breakdown. Kaizer Chiefs news: Goodbye to winger and Itumeleng Khune Footballer of the Season – R250,000 Players' Player of the Season – R200,000 Goal of the Season – R50,000 Golden Boot (Top Scorer) – R50,000 Total Earnings: R550,000. Orlando Pirates news: Ouaddou, Riveiro and Vilakazi The 26-year-old Brazilians' Goal of the Season award was for a spectacular solo effort against Orlando Pirates, while his peers across the league voted him Players' Player of the Season, highlighting the respect he commands on and off the pitch. In the meantime, Brazilian giants Fluminense and Qatar SC have tabled offers to sign the Sundowns attacking midfielder. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
2 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
PSL Awards 2025: A night of glory for Costa but were the right winners crowned?
Lucas Ribeiro Costa of Mamelodi Sundowns was the big winner at the PSL awards. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Lucas Ribeiro Costa was the standout star at the 2024/25 PSL Awards, walking away with an impressive four accolades, including the prestigious PSL Footballer of the Season. The Mamelodi Sundowns forward's contribution, particularly during the first half of the campaign, was instrumental in securing the club's record-extending eighth consecutive league title. Costa's performances ensured that Sundowns kept fierce rivals Orlando Pirates at bay while asserting their dominance in the Betway Premiership. In addition to the top honour, he was also named Players' Player of the Season, Goal of the Season, and Premiership Top Goal Scorer after netting 16 goals in league action. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading While there was little debate over most of Costa's accolades, the Goal of the Season award raised some eyebrows. His composed finish against the Buccaneers — where defenders looked on rather than intervening — was undoubtedly elegant. However, Fawaaz Basadien's stunning long-range strike from inside his own half arguably deserved the nod. Goals of that nature are rare in the PSL and far more difficult to execute, which could have tipped the scale in his favour. The Coach of the Season award was another hotly contested category. On paper, Miguel Cardoso appeared the logical choice, having guided Sundowns to the title. Although he only took charge midway through the campaign — replacing Manqoba Mngqithi — the impact he made was undeniable. He inherited a finely tuned side and steered them through a gruelling campaign, effectively ending the Sea Robbers' title push in the final stretch. Standing in his way was Jose Riveiro, who had a strong case of his own. Despite falling 13 points short of the title, he kept the Buccaneers competitive across all fronts. His tactical acumen and consistency were evident throughout the campaign. Still, Cardoso's success in solidifying Sundowns' grip on the league and leading them to a commanding finish was enough to tilt the balance in his favour. Pirates and Sundowns shared the spotlight on the night. Sipho Chaine edged out Ronwen Williams and Magesi FC's Elvis Chipezeze to claim Goalkeeper of the Season. Williams might have mounted a stronger challenge had injury setbacks not disrupted his campaign. Another Pirates player, Nkosinathi Sibisi, rightfully took home Defender of the Season. His leadership and consistency stood out, especially as he partnered with a rotating cast of centre-backs throughout the campaign. His experience and adaptability were vital to the club's defensive stability and fully justified the recognition. However, the most debatable decision of the night came in the Midfielder of the Season category. Makhehlene Makhaula had an excellent campaign for the Buccaneers — especially in terms of breaking up play and winning possession. Yet Teboho Mokoena arguably had the edge. Mokoena not only posted superior statistical returns but also brought balance to Sundowns' midfield. His contributions at both ends of the pitch, including set-piece delivery and goal threat, made him a more complete presence. Makhaula's work ethic was undeniable, but his limited progressive play raises questions about how the final decision was reached.
IOL News
2 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
PSL Awards 2025: A night of glory for Costa – But were the right winners crowned?
Lucas Ribeiro Costa of Mamelodi Sundowns was the big winner at the PSL awards. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Lucas Ribeiro Costa was the standout star at the 2024/25 PSL Awards, walking away with an impressive four accolades, including the prestigious PSL Footballer of the Season. The Mamelodi Sundowns forward's contribution, particularly during the first half of the campaign, was instrumental in securing the club's record-extending eighth consecutive league title. Costa's performances ensured that Sundowns kept fierce rivals Orlando Pirates at bay while asserting their dominance in the Betway Premiership. In addition to the top honour, he was also named Players' Player of the Season, Goal of the Season, and Premiership Top Goal Scorer after netting 16 goals in league action. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading While there was little debate over most of Costa's accolades, the Goal of the Season award raised some eyebrows. His composed finish against the Buccaneers — where defenders looked on rather than intervening — was undoubtedly elegant. However, Fawaaz Basadien's stunning long-range strike from inside his own half arguably deserved the nod. Goals of that nature are rare in the PSL and far more difficult to execute, which could have tipped the scale in his favour. The Coach of the Season award was another hotly contested category. On paper, Miguel Cardoso appeared the logical choice, having guided Sundowns to the title. Although he only took charge midway through the campaign — replacing Manqoba Mngqithi — the impact he made was undeniable. He inherited a finely tuned side and steered them through a gruelling campaign, effectively ending the Sea Robbers' title push in the final stretch. Standing in his way was Jose Riveiro, who had a strong case of his own. Despite falling 13 points short of the title, he kept the Buccaneers competitive across all fronts. His tactical acumen and consistency were evident throughout the campaign. Still, Cardoso's success in solidifying Sundowns' grip on the league and leading them to a commanding finish was enough to tilt the balance in his favour. Pirates and Sundowns shared the spotlight on the night. Sipho Chaine edged out Ronwen Williams and Magesi FC's Elvis Chipezeze to claim Goalkeeper of the Season. Williams might have mounted a stronger challenge had injury setbacks not disrupted his campaign. Another Pirates player, Nkosinathi Sibisi, rightfully took home Defender of the Season. His leadership and consistency stood out, especially as he partnered with a rotating cast of centre-backs throughout the campaign. His experience and adaptability were vital to the club's defensive stability and fully justified the recognition. However, the most debatable decision of the night came in the Midfielder of the Season category. Makhehlene Makhaula had an excellent campaign for the Buccaneers — especially in terms of breaking up play and winning possession. Yet Teboho Mokoena arguably had the edge. Mokoena not only posted superior statistical returns but also brought balance to Sundowns' midfield. His contributions at both ends of the pitch, including set-piece delivery and goal threat, made him a more complete presence. Makhaula's work ethic was undeniable, but his limited progressive play raises questions about how the final decision was reached.
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Sundowns' Ribeiro dedicates PSL awards to teammates
'It was a very good season but I don't play alone so I want to say thank you to my teammates,' Ribeiro said. Mamelodi Sundowns forward Lucas Ribeiro has dedicated all four of his individual PSL awards to his teammates and the club, after dominating the league's end-of-season honours. Sundowns' Ribeiro wins big The Brazilian attacker walked away with the Footballer of the Season and Players' Player of the Season, making him the standout winner at the PSL Awards ceremony that were televised on Tuesday night. ALSO READ: Sundowns' Ribeiro wins big at PSL awards Ribeiro edged out Orlando Pirates starlet Relebohile Mofokeng and Sekhukhune United's Keletso Makgalwa for the two most prestigious accolades, after earning the votes of both his Betway Premiership peers and opposition coaches. According to the PSL, voting for Footballer of the Season was conducted solely by top-flight coaches, who were not permitted to nominate players from their own clubs. The Players' Player of the Season award was decided by fellow professionals, with each club allowed up to 30 votes, but they were not allowed to vote for teammates. 'Faith in God' 'What keeps me going is those close to me, my faith in God. Without those things I don't think I'd be here. When the moments get difficult, the team helps me, the club and coach,' Ribeiro said. 'I believe all those people contributed. The players are always helping me and the coaches too. I'm very happy to represent them in the best way possible, just as they help me.' Having finished the season with 16 league goals as Sundowns secured a record-extending eighth consecutive league title, Ribeiro claimed the Top Goalscorer award. The 26-year-old's strike against Orlando Pirates was also voted Goal of the Season. The Brazilian embarked on a brilliant solo run from his own half, gliding past several Pirates defenders before slotting home with a clinical finish. 'It was an incredible season. I'm very happy to win the top goal scorer as well as other awards for goal of the season, players' player of the season and football of the season,' Ribeiro added. 'I'm very happy and thank you to my teammates and the supporters. It was a very good season but I don't play alone so I want to say thank you to my teammates.' Remarkable season Other categories on the night were voted for by football journalists, broadcasters, analysts and commentators that cover the domestic game. For Ribeiro, it has been a remarkable season that culminated in him also winning the FIFA Club World Cup Goal of the Tournament for his brilliant solo effort against German club Borussia Dortmund. ALSO READ: Potsane leaves as the clear-out continues at Kaizer Chiefs He's reportedly being persused by Brazilian club Fluminense who are believed to be locked in negotiations with Masandawana over a possible transfer to the highly-rated winger.
