Latest news with #Players'PlayeroftheSeason
IOL News
7 hours 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
8 hours 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
12 hours 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.
The South African
a day ago
- Sport
- The South African
PSL Awards: Sundowns star Lucas Ribeiro Costa wins big!
Mamelodi Sundowns star Lucas Ribeiro Costa won big at the PSL Awards which were hosted on Tuesday, 29 July. After much was said about both Ribeiro Costa and Relebohile Mofokeng, the league finally announced the best player. Costa walked away with FOUR major awards, including the Goal of the Season gong to silence his critics. All eyes were on two categories which had Ribeiro Costa and Mofokeng – Players' Player of the Season and Footballer of the Season awards. And these two awards were scooped by Ribeiro Costa alongside the Lesley Manyathela Golden Boot award. Nonetheless, Mofokeng did not go home empty-handed as he won two awards in different categories. The Orlando Pirates youngster won the Betway Premiership Young Player of the Season award on the night. Mofokeng was also named MTN8 Last Man Standing for his outstanding performances that helped Pirates defend their crown early last season. Lucas Ribeiro Costa MOTM vs SuperSport United Image via @Masandawana on X Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
RTÉ News
a day ago
- Sport
- RTÉ News
LOI transfers: Jamie Stott joins Derry City with Ciaron Harkin moving to Sligo Rovers
Derry City have brought in defender Jamie Stott from crisis club Morecambe. The 27-year old has joined the Brandywell club on an 18-month deal, offering a new option as a left-sided centre-back for manager Tiernan Lynch. Stott was voted Players' Player of the Season at Morecambe last year as the Shrimpers were relegated from the Football League. They are currently battling for their very survival as a entity due to financial and ownership issues, opening the door for Derry to sign Stott. He counts Oldham Athletic, Stockport and Halifax Town among his previous sides. City boss Lynch is pleased with his latest addition: "Jamie comes here with plenty of experience in the EFL and National League and will strengthen our defensive options ahead of a very busy few months. "He's a big, strong lad and seems happy with the ball at his feet. "He just arrived this morning and took part in a full training session today and we're really looking forward to working with him." Dipo Akinyemi, Adam Frizzell and Brandon Fleming have already moved to Derry this window, as well as loan signing Alex Bannon. Midfielder Ciaron Harkin is the latest player to join Sligo Rovers, departing the Brandywell. Harkin signs with Rovers until the end of the 2025 season, with the club retaining an option on the player for 2026. The 29-year-old is the sixth signing of the summer transfer window, with John Russell already adding Patrick McClean, Seb Quirk, Ryan O'Kane, James McManus and Sean Stewart this month. The Derry native began his senior career with the Candystripes and has had his career blighted by injuries in recent years. He was a regular for City from 2019-2021 but later suffered devastating cruciate ligament ruptures which kept him sidelined for almost two years. Harkin made a return to action last year and went out on loan to Coleraine at the end of the year to get game time under his belt. Lynch gave Harkin six appearances this campaign, but he struggled to break into the side, leading to Bit O' Red boss John Russell making a move. Russell said: "It's a brilliant signing of a player I've always admired. He's a midfielder who can do a bit of everything. He's tenacious, good on the ball, legs, energy, he's coming to us at the stage of his career for a fresh challenge. "He's a Derry boy, he's had his injuries in the past but he's over those now. He's hungry to play, sitting on the bench is not easy for any player but especially at his age, he's in the prime of his career, at 29."
