Mamelodi Sundowns have used a total of 41 players this season, maximising their impressive resources as they have played a total of 51 matches already this term across all competition.
Brazilian import Lucas Ribeiro has played the most with 45 starts while the long-departed Bolivia international Erwin Saavedra had the least game time in the season.
As they approach Saturday’s first leg of the Champions League final against Egypt’s Pyramids at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, Supersport.com spotlights the five best performers for the Brazilians this term.
LUCAS RIBEIRO
The 26-year-old from Santa Helena in Brazil’s Maranhão state is the hot favourite to sweep the Player of the Season award for his exploits in the heart of the Sundowns’ attack. He is already sure of taking the Golden Boot award with his 16 goals seeing him top the league’s scoring charts.
IQRAAM RAYNERS
The signing of the 29-year-old striker from Stellenbosch at the start of the season significantly strengthened the attack with Rayners grabbing 14 league goals and a further seven in cup competition. It has also allowed Sundowns to regularly play with three in attack, combining Rayners, Ribeiro and the evergreen Peter Shalulile in a near unstoppable force.
JAYDEN ADAMS
It is rare that a player settled as quickly in the Sundowns squad as the 24-year-old from Idas Valley in the Cape Winelands. Former Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane used to suggest it took months, but Adams slotted straight in and has been a key player over the last months with his calm ability to link the defence and attack, while also ghosting in for the occasional goal himself.
MARCELO ALLENDE
The diminutive Chilean is another whose tireless midfield work is at the heart of the Sundowns game, dictating the tempo of the attack. He should score more but there is no doubt he is often the first name on the team sheet when the coach sits down to select his starting line-up.
AUBREY MODIBA
Injury has kept the 29-year-old Modiba from a fulsome season but that has not lessened his contribution from the left-hand side. He has regularly interchanged between the left back role and storming down the flank as a wingback, cutting inside and being a big part of Sundowns’ attacking thrust.