PSL Golden Boot Race: Lucas Ribeiro Leads the Pack

The battle for the PSL Golden Boot is heating up as the league’s top strikers continue to find the back of the net. Last season’s race went down to the wire, with Tshegofatso Mabasa narrowly edging out Iqraam Rayners to claim the prestigious Lesley Manyathela Golden Boot. This season, the competition remains fierce, with several players vying for the top scorer’s accolade.

Lucas Ribeiro in Command

Mamelodi Sundowns forward Lucas Ribeiro Costa is currently leading the race with nine goals. The Brazilian attacker has been in superb form for the defending champions, consistently delivering crucial goals. His latest brace against Orlando Pirates showcased his importance to the Brazilians, solidifying his status as their most dangerous attacking weapon.

Rayners Keeping Up the Pressure

Following closely behind is Iqraam Rayners with six goals. The former Stellenbosch striker, now at Sundowns, has continued his impressive scoring form from last season, netting against SuperSport, AmaZulu, Gallants, Chiefs, Sekhukhune United, and Stellenbosch. With Sundowns’ attacking firepower, he is expected to remain in the mix for the Golden Boot.

Chasing the Leaders

A group of players is locked on five goals, including Dzenan Zajmovic of TS Galaxy and Andy Boyeli of Sekhukhune United. Boyeli’s hat-trick against SuperSport United was a statement of intent, while Zajmovic continues to be a key figure for the Rockets.

Meanwhile, several players are currently sitting on four goals, including:

• Tshegofatso Mabasa (Orlando Pirates) – The reigning Golden Boot winner boosted his tally with a hat-trick against Marumo Gallants.
• Devin Titus (Stellenbosch FC) – The Bafana winger bagged a brace in a 5-0 rout of AmaZulu.
• Mduduzi Shabalala (Kaizer Chiefs) – The promising youngster has been one of Amakhosi’s bright spots this season.
• Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates) – The Buccaneers forward has chipped in with vital goals, including the winner against Richards Bay.
• Hendrick Ekstein (AmaZulu) – The midfielder has found the net in crucial games against Pirates, Chippa United, Royal AM, and Cape Town City.
• Wandile Duba (Kaizer Chiefs) – The academy graduate scored twice against Stellenbosch.
• Peter Shalulile (Mamelodi Sundowns) – The Namibian star is finding his rhythm after a slow start to the season.
• Sinoxolo Kwayiba (Chippa United) – The Chilli Boys attacker struck twice in their 4-1 win over Magesi FC.
• Tashreeq Matthews (Mamelodi Sundowns) – The versatile Sundowns forward has also contributed four goals to his team’s title charge.

Exciting Finish on the Cards

With plenty of games left in the season, the Golden Boot race remains wide open. While Lucas Ribeiro holds the lead, the likes of Rayners, Mabasa, and Makgopa will be looking to close the gap. The competition is expected to intensify as teams push for silverware and top league positions.

The coming weeks will be crucial in determining who emerges as the PSL’s top scorer. Will Ribeiro maintain his form, or will a challenger rise to snatch the award? The battle for the Lesley Manyathela Golden Boot is far from over.