PSL Awards: Kekana Endorses Sundowns Standouts for Top Honours
As anticipation builds ahead of the 2024/25 PSL Awards, Mamelodi Sundowns icon Hlompho Kekana has thrown his weight behind some familiar faces at Chloorkop. He singled out Lucas Ribeiro and Marcelo Allende as standout candidates for the league’s most coveted prizes.
Lucas Ribeiro Tipped for Footballer of the Season
Kekana, now a respected analyst for SABC Sport, firmly believes that Sundowns forward Lucas Ribeiro should walk away with the prestigious Footballer of the Season award. The Brazilian striker enjoyed a phenomenal campaign. He finished as the Betway Premiership’s top scorer with 16 goals. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in helping Sundowns secure their eighth consecutive league title, a record-breaking feat in domestic football.
“He deserves it without a doubt. What he achieved last season was on another level,” said Kekana during a recent interview on Radio 2000. “He’s become more comfortable; you can even hear him speaking a bit of English now. The energy he brings to the camp is just infectious.”
Ribeiro’s consistency and leadership in attack have put him ahead of the competition. This includes Orlando Pirates’ rising star Relebohile Mofokeng and Sekhukhune United’s surprise package Keletso Makgalwa. All three are also in the running for the Players’ Player of the Season award.
Midfield Brilliance Recognised
Another hotly contested category at this year’s awards is Midfielder of the Season, a title Kekana himself once proudly claimed in the 2018/19 season. This year, the nominees include Pirates’ tenacious Makhehlene Makhaula and two Sundowns stalwarts, Marcelo Allende and Teboho Mokoena.
Kekana believes Allende, in particular, deserves special recognition for his unwavering performances.
“Marcelo might not be flashy, but he’s a footballer’s footballer,” Kekana said. “You need to understand the game to appreciate the quality and composure he brings every week. I hope he gets the reward he truly deserves.”
Allende’s work rate, ability to dictate play, and football intelligence have quietly earned him plaudits among the league’s top midfielders. He often flies under the radar compared to his more flamboyant peers.
PSL Spotlight on Local Talent
The inclusion of young talents like Mofokeng and Makgalwa has added extra excitement to this year’s edition of the PSL Awards. Mofokeng’s rapid rise at Pirates has captured the imagination of fans across the country. Meanwhile, Makgalwa’s impressive showings for Sekhukhune United have defied expectations.
Yet for Kekana, it is the sheer dominance and influence of Ribeiro and Allende that make them the frontrunners.
“These are players who didn’t just play well; they helped shape the season. They were consistent, reliable, and decisive, all the qualities you want in top professionals,” Kekana added.
When are the PSL Awards?
The 2024/25 PSL Awards will be broadcast live on Tuesday evening at 7pm on both SABC Sport and SuperSport. Fans across the country will be tuning in to see which of Mzansi’s football elite will be honoured for their performances over the past season.
With Sundowns players dominating several categories, it’s clear the club’s domestic dominance is being matched by individual brilliance. If Kekana’s predictions come true, the awards night could turn into yet another celebration for the Brazilians.
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