Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Marcelo Allende, fresh off being named Man of the Match in the Tshwane giants’ latest victory, has lauded a teammate as the best player on the African continent.
Allende’s recognition came after Masandawana concluded another successful league campaign by defeating Magesi FC 2-0 in a Betway Premiership encounter on Sunday at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.
Lucas Ribeiro Costa’s two goals secured the win, marking Sundowns’ eighth successive league title and extending their reign over local football.
With their victory against Magesi FC, Mamelodi Sundowns concluded their domestic campaign, boasting an impressive record of 24 wins, one draw, and only three defeats in 28 games in a 15-team league following Royal AM’s expulsion.
WHICH TEAMMATE DOES ALLENDE RATE AS THE BEST IN AFRICA?
“This guy next to me is the best player in the PSL and in Africa,” Allende told SuperSport TV in a post-match interview.
The teammate Allende was referring to is Brazilian attacker Lucas Ribeiro Costa, who finished as the Betway Premiership’s top scorer with an impressive 16 goals. His two goals against Magesi proved decisive in securing the Golden Boot, pushing his final tally two goals clear of Iqraam Rayners.
“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,” added Allende.
Now, the South African champions shift their focus to the CAF Champions League, where they have a chance to secure a coveted second star, nine years after their first triumph.
They host Egyptian side Pyramids FC at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday, 24 May, before travelling to Cairo a week later for the reverse fixture.
RELATED STORY: Unstoppable Mamelodi Sundowns wrap up the season in style