Mamelodi Sundowns duo Miguel Cardoso and Lucas Ribeiro Costa have once again stamped their authority on the local scene by claiming the Betway Premiership Coach and Player of the Month awards for May 2025 – marking the third time this season the pair have earned the monthly accolades.
The Portuguese head coach and Brazilian forward have played pivotal roles in Sundowns’ dominant run to an eighth consecutive league title, and their latest recognition caps off a near-perfect campaign.
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A Perfect May for the Champions
Cardoso led Sundowns through an unbeaten May, winning all five of their Betway Premiership fixtures to seal the title in emphatic fashion.
His side displayed tactical maturity, attacking flair, and defensive resilience during a month that saw them comfortably outpace rivals.
He beat stiff competition for the coaching accolade, with Richards Bay’s Ronnie Gabriel and former Orlando Pirates boss Jose Riveiro also in contention.
Ribeiro: The Clinical Finisher
Lucas Ribeiro Costa continued his red-hot form in front of goal, netting three times in May. His tally included a composed strike in a 3-0 win over Stellenbosch FC on 11 May and a brilliant brace in the 2-0 triumph over Magesi FC on the final day of the season.
In addition to being named Player of the Month, Costa also clinched the Goal of the Month award – his third of the season – for one of his goals against Magesi FC, showcasing his clinical finishing and composure under pressure.
Costa’s consistent performances saw him edge out strong competition from his Sundowns teammates Iqraam Rayners and Marcelo Allende, both of whom were also key contributors to the club’s successful campaign.
Recognition for a Season of Excellence
This is the third time both Cardoso and Costa have been honoured in the same month – having previously scooped the double in February and earlier in the season – highlighting the consistency and synergy that defined Sundowns’ title-winning run.
The full list of Betway Premiership Monthly Award winners for the 2024/25 season also reflects the competitive nature of the league, with notable mentions including Andy Boyeli (Sekhukhune United), Mduduzi Shabalala (Kaizer Chiefs), and Elvis Chipezeze (Magesi FC).
|
Month |
Player of the Month |
Coach of the Month |
Goal of the Month |
|
Sep/Oct 2024 |
Lucas Ribeiro Costa (Sundowns) |
Jose Riveiro (Orlando Pirates) |
Fawaaz Basadien (Stellenbosch FC) |
|
Nov/Dec 2024 |
Iqraam Rayners (Sundowns) |
Miguel Cardoso (Sundowns) |
Mduduzi Shabalala (Kaizer Chiefs) |
|
January 2025 |
Andy Boyeli (Sekhukhune United) |
Muhsin Ertugral (Cape Town City) |
Lucas Ribeiro Costa (Sundowns) |
|
February 2025 |
Lucas Ribeiro Costa (Sundowns) |
Miguel Cardoso (Sundowns) |
Lucas Ribeiro Costa (Sundowns) |
|
March 2025 |
Elvis Chipezeze (Magesi FC) |
Owen Da Gama (Magesi FC) |
Azola Ntsabo (Chippa United) |
|
April 2025 |
Keletso Makgalwa (Sekhukhune Utd) |
Eric Tinkler (Sekhukhune Utd) |
Glody Lilepo (Kaizer Chiefs) |
|
May 2025 |
Lucas Ribeiro Costa (Sundowns) |
Miguel Cardoso (Sundowns) |
Lucas Ribeiro Costa (Sundowns) |
In other news, it has been confirmed who the South Africa U20 team (Amajita) will play against at the U20 FIFA World Cup in September.
Raymond Mdaka’s side which recently won the U20 Africa Cup of Nations has been drawn in Group E with USA, New Caledonia and France.
