Staff Reporter.
Mamelodi Sundowns closed out their 2024/25 Betway Premiership season in commanding fashion with a 2-0 victory over Magesi FC at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday evening.
The victory means Sundowns have broken the record for the most wins in a 34-game season in a campaign of just 28 games. The record was held by Manning Rangers with 23 wins in the 1996/97 season, and equalled by Kaizer Chiefs in the 1998/99 season and Sundowns in the 1998/99 and 1999/2000 seasons.
Sundowns opened the scoring in the fourth minute, Lucas Ribeiro directed Iqraam Rayners’ shot towards goal at close range for his 15th goal of the season.
Ribeiro tried to return the favour by setting up two chances for Rayners, the first of which was headed into the post and later, Rayners could not beat Magesi goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze one-on-one.
Ribeiro scored his second of the game in the 22nd minute from a well worked freekick. Marcelo Allende passed the ball across the edge of the box instead of going for goal or crossing it in, giving Ribeiro space to take one touch before beautifully curling the ball into the top corner.
Sundowns nearly bagged a third in the 38th minute as Tebogo Mokoena’s free kick had Chipezeze scrambling as it sailed towards the bottom right corner from long range, but struck the upright.
In the 63rd minute, substitute Peter Shalulile tried the spectacular, attempting to finish Arthur Sales’ cross with a bicycle kick, which went wide. Shalulile remains one goal away from drawing level with Siyabonga Nomvete’s record for most top flight goals in South African football across all competitions.
The Brazilians are the #Champ15ns, a record 15 PSL titles! 🏆👆#Sundowns #BetwayPrem #RabatsenaGape pic.twitter.com/mTRWnMiGQS
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) May 18, 2025
Having lifted the trophy and finished their league campaign, Sundowns now shift their focus to the CAF Champions League final where they will host Pyramids FC of Egypt in the first leg at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on 24 May.