As the Soccer Laduma Player of the Season competition reaches its exciting finale, the spotlight now firmly shines on two standout talents—Orlando Pirates’ Relebohile Mofokeng and Mamelodi Sundowns’ Lucas Ribeiro Costa. These two stars have dazzled fans all season long, and now only one will walk away with the coveted title, proudly powered by Hollywoodbets.
After weeks of fan voting and intense debate, Mofokeng and Ribeiro have emerged as the final two, each with a compelling case to be crowned the best in South Africa’s top flight this season. But what exactly made these two players the top picks? A closer look at their biggest match-winning performances provides the answers.
Relebohile Mofokeng has had a breakthrough season for Orlando Pirates, proving himself to be one of the most influential young players in the country. The 19-year-old winger tallied 13 goal contributions—combining goals and assists—in 26 league appearances. His ability to step up in crucial moments has earned him a reputation as a game-changer.
One of Mofokeng’s most memorable performances came in Pirates’ high-stakes clash against Cape Town City, where he scored a decisive goal and provided a late assist in a 3-2 thriller that helped keep the Buccaneers in the title race. In another standout match against SuperSport United, Mofokeng delivered a sublime curling strike to seal all three points, underlining his importance to Pirates’ second-place finish in the Betway Premiership.
Lucas Ribeiro Costa, on the other hand, was at the heart of Mamelodi Sundowns’ title-winning campaign. The Brazilian forward netted 16 goals and laid on nine assists, playing a pivotal role as Masandawana clinched their eighth consecutive league title. Ribeiro’s consistency and class in front of goal have made him one of the most feared attackers in the league.
A key moment in Ribeiro’s season came during the tense top-of-the-table encounter with Stellenbosch FC, where he scored a brace to hand Sundowns a 2-1 victory. His ability to deliver in big games was again evident in the late stages of the campaign when he notched a goal and assist in the 4-1 win over Sekhukhune United to wrap up the title.
Both players have delivered match-defining moments and provided countless highlights for their clubs and supporters throughout the 2024/25 season. Mofokeng’s flair and youthful energy contrast perfectly with Ribeiro’s composure and clinical edge, making this final showdown a battle of two very different but equally impactful styles.
As fans cast their final votes, the debate continues—will it be the Buccaneers’ rising star or Sundowns’ samba sensation who takes the crown? No matter who wins, both Relebohile Mofokeng and Lucas Ribeiro Costa have already etched their names into the hearts of fans and the history of the Betway Premiership.
