Brazilian Ribeiro hits brace as Sundowns finish with victory

It took his league tally to 16 goals, two more than teammate Iqraam Rayners and eight ahead of another Sundowns star from Brazil, Arthur Sales, and Devin Titus from third-placed Stellenbosch.

Ribeiro, who joined the Pretoria club from Belgian outfit Beveren in mid 2023, was lauded by Chilean Marcelo Allende, one of five South Americans on Sundowns' books.  "Lucas is not only the best footballer in South Africa, he is the best footballer in Africa," said the midfielder.

Ribeiro deflected a Rayners shot past veteran Zimbabwean goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze to give 15-time champions Sundowns a fourth-minute lead at Loftus Versfeld stadium.

His second goal on 22 minutes stemmed from a clever free-kick manoeuvre that ended with Ribeiro placing the ball in the corner of the net with Chipezeze stationery. A Rayners header off a Ribeiro cross and a Teboho Mokoena free-kick both rebounded off the woodwork in a first half dominated by the home side.

Sundowns also controlled the second half against 12th-placed Magesi and Sales wasted a great opportunity to increase the lead when he scuffed a low cross.

"It was a pleasure to watch Sundowns playing tonight," said Miguel Cardoso, the Portuguese coach who replaced sacked local Manqoba Mngqithi last December.

"There was energy, character and happiness from the players, and the second goal was perfectly constructed. I hope all South Africans are proud of Sundowns because they are fantastic ambassadors for the country," added the 52-year-old.

Sundowns completed the 28-round Premiership with 73 points, the same total as last season, as they were crowned champions a record-extending eighth consecutive time

Having conquered South Africa again, they now turn their attention to the two-leg CAF Champions League final, then the Club World Cup in the United States.

Sundowns face Egyptian outfit Pyramids in the premier African club competition on May 24th in Pretoria and June 1st in Cairo.

In the revamped Club World Cup, they are in Group F with Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund and South Korean representatives Ulsan. 

The other African contenders are Al Ahly of Egypt, Esperance of Tunisia and Wydad Casablanca of Morocco, all former Champions League winners.