Mamelodi Sundowns striker Lucas Ribeiro Costa looks set to cap off a stellar season with individual accolades as many are tipping him to win the Premiership Player of the Season award.
Ribeiro Costa is currently leading the league scoring charts with 13 goals. His own Brazilians teammate Iqraam Rayners is his closest competitor, with 11 goals, as both players have participated in 22 matches so far this season.
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Kaizer Chiefs midfielder and former teammate of Costa, Gaston Sirino believes the Brazilian has done more than enough to earn the prestigious accolade.
Speaking at a media briefing, Sirino praised Costa’s consistent performances, highlighting not only his goalscoring feats but also his overall contributions to Sundowns’ progress.
“Of course, of course. Lucas Ribeiro is a top player and also my friend. I think he has all the qualities to be player of the season because the numbers are there as well. He plays well in every game and Sundowns are also doing well. For me, he is the best player in South Africa now. He deserves to be the player of the season," Sirino believes.
The former Sundowns midfielder also reflected on the key difference between Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs, pointing to squad depth as a decisive factor.
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"The main difference is the number of players Sundowns have. Even when someone is injured there are players ready to fill in that space. Here at Chiefs we also have great players but there are not as many as that at Sundowns. If one is out injured or suspended it's hard to fill that space. But I want to play more regularly and fight for the team as well and help the team win trophies, starting with the Nedbank Cup on Saturday," added Sirino.
Kaizer Chiefs will face their arch-rivals Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final this Saturday at Moses Mabhida Stadium, aiming to lift their first silverware in over a decade.
