
'He is the best player in SA and Africa'
According to Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Marcelo Allende, his attacking midfielder teammate Lucas Ribeiro is the best on the continent.
In the club's final match of the season, Ribeiro scored twice in the 2-0 win over Magesi to finish as the league's top goalscorer with 16 goals, and he is not even a striker but an attacking midfielder.
'This guy next to me is the best player in the PSL and in Africa,' Allende told SuperSport TV after the game.
'I'm very happy for him and to keep him in my team. Congratulations to him for the goals and the top goal scorer [award]. Congratulations to Iqy [Iqraam] for making a very wonderful season,' the Sundowns midfielder added.
In the meantime, Sundowns are looking ahead to bigger things: the CAF Champions League final against Pyramids FC and the FIFA Club World Cup in June.
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.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

TimesLIVE
31 minutes ago
- TimesLIVE
Emotional Ronaldo rejoices in Portugal winning Nations League
Portugal skipper Cristiano Ronaldo shed tears of joy as they won their second Nations League title on Sunday, insisting that winning trophies with his country beats all club honours. Ronaldo's 138th international goal in the second half took the final to penalties after a 2-2 draw with Spain, with the substituted 40-year-old forward looking on from the sidelines as Portugal netted all five spot kicks to claim the title. The triumph, which left the five-time Champions League winner in tears, was Ronaldo's third on the international stage, accompanying his 2016 European Championship and 2019 Nations League winners' medals. 'What a joy,' Ronaldo told Sport TV. 'First of all for this generation, which deserved a title of this magnitude, for our families. My children came here, my wife, my brother, my friends. 'Winning for Portugal is always special. I have many titles with clubs, but nothing is better than winning for Portugal. It's tears. It's duty done and a lot of joy. 'When you talk about Portugal it is always a special feeling. Being captain of this generation is a source of pride. Winning a title is always the pinnacle in a national team.' Ronaldo's future playing club football in Saudi Arabia remains uncertain. He said last week he did not plan to play at the Club World Cup in the US, which starts later this month, despite being courted by clubs taking part in the 32-team tournament. The Al-Nassr forward said he had several offers from other teams to play in the US, while his side's sporting director, Fernando Hierro said last month they were negotiating with Ronaldo over a contract extension but faced competition from clubs eager to sign the five-times Ballon d'Or winner. For now, however, he is only focused on celebrating his latest triumph, having played in the final with an injury. Portugal are the first team to win the #NationsLeague twice 🇵🇹 Cristiano Ronaldo has the pleasure of lifting the trophy once again 🏆 — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 8, 2025 'It's beautiful,' he added. 'It's for our nation. We are a small people, but with a very big ambition. 'The future is short term. Now is the time to rest well. I had the injury and that was the maximum, the maximum. I pushed, because for the national team you have to push.' Portugal picked up their second Nations League title with the 5-3 on penalties victory. Alvaro Morata's miss proved costly for Spain as Ruben Neves struck the winning spot-kick to spark wild scenes of celebration. Spain's exhilarating 5-4 victory over France in Thursday's semifinal ensured Luis de la Fuente's side had continued an unbeaten run that stretched back to March 2023 coming into Sunday's showpiece final in Munich. They appeared on course for yet another trophy, on the back last year's European Championship triumph, as Martin Zubimendi tapped home his second international goal in the 21st minute. Cristiano Ronaldo scores and the stadium erupts 🔊 For the second time in the game, Portugal draw level. Nuno Mendes at the heart of the attack again 🇵🇹 📺 Stream #NationsLeague on DStv: — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 8, 2025 The holders' lead did not last long, however, as flying Portugal full-back Nuno Mendes slotted home the equaliser after good work from Ronaldo in the build up. A sublime pass from midfielder Pedri helped Mikel Oyarzabal, who netted the winner against England in last year's European Championship final, restore Spain's lead before the break. The tussle between the Iberian neighbours was billed as a clash between old and new — 40-year-old and five-times Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo and Spain's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. While Yamal, among the favourites to take home one of the most prestigious individual awards this year, struggled to make inroads, Ronaldo pounced on his chance, firing Portugal level from close range just past the hour mark. Ronaldo went off injured late on and neither side could find a winner in extra time, with the game going to a shoot-out and Portugal netting all five of their penalties to claim the trophy.


The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs XI next season with Mako, Salum, Appollis, Okon, Mayele
Kaizer Chiefs are looking to bolster all departments of their playing personnel this winter. Is this how their XI could look? Tanzanian goal-scoring midfielder Feisal Salum is a long-standing target. Meanwhile, Chiefs are contemplating moves for out-of-contract Orlando Pirates stars Thabiso Monyane and Paseka Mako. Bvuma; Miguel, Okon, Dortley, Mako; Cele, Salum; Lilepo, Duba, Appollis; Mayele. This exciting-looking XI would see Inacio Miguel shifted to a slightly unfamiliar right-back role, although the Angolan has played there before. A central pairing of Ime Okon and the hopefully fit-again Rushwin Dortley would have a combined age of only 44. Paseka Mako could prove to be a shrewd addition even if he only has two years left at the top level. Further up the pitch, Feisal Salum, Oswin Appollis and Fiston Mayele add goal-threat galore. Kaizer Chiefs top brass make their move for exciting young defender Pyramids striker Fiston Mayele. Image: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix According to SABC Sport, 31-year-old Paseka Mako is in advanced talks with Kaizer Chiefs over a winter move. Stellenbosch full-back Fawaaz Basadien was initially their first choice. However, the Winelands club is reluctant to sell the Bafana man, whom they see as an indispensable member of their squad. It's somewhat of a surprise that Pirates let go of Mako. The nifty left-back made 26 appearances in the 2024-2025 campaign. Meanwhile, 34-year-old Deon Hotto faces an uncertain long-term future. 'Nabi is the Pep Guardiola of Africa' Is this an XI that can challenge for the league title? Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.


The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs target gets on the score sheet
Kaizer Chiefs have expressed an interest in two talented SuperSport United defenders. Can they pull off an audacious move? 21-year-old Ime Okon is already a pillar in defence for Matsatsantsa. Chiefa are also looking at left-back Aphiwe Baliti. Kabelo Dlamini scored from the penalty spot and Ime Okon rose highest to plant a header in the back of the net as South Africa claimed a key 2-0 win over Zimbabwe in the COSAFA Cup. 'We wanted to respond with intent, and the boys showed character,' Vmanager ela Khumalo said post-match, as quoted in a recent X update from the South African Football Association. 'We showed resilience and took our chances when it mattered,' Okon told reporters. 'Orlando Pirates are emptying the recycling bin now' Recent reports linked Chiefs with a move for versatile 23-year-old Aphiwe Baliti. Now, outstanding central defender Ime Okon is the next name on their wish list. His contract with Matsatsantsa reportedly expires at the end of June 2025. Is Ime Okon the real deal? Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.