With Mamelodi Sundowns and Egyptian upstarts Pyramids FC boasting an array of talent, the spotlight will be on six stand-out players whose performances could tilt the balance in favour of their teams.
The teams go head-to-head at the sold-out Loftus Versfeld in Saturday’s CAF Champions League final first-leg clash (3pm kick-off), and eyes will be trained on the stand-out players who could very well determine the fate of their teams.
Sundowns will bank on the brilliance of Teboho Mokoena, Lucas Ribeiro and Ronwen Williams.
The visiting Pyramids expect their kingpins Mohamed Chibi, Fiston Mayele and Mostafa Fethi will make decisive contributions on the day.
Each of these players brings a unique skill-set that enhances the already formidable arsenal of the teams…
1 Teboho Mokoena (Sundowns)
Mokoena, a constant force in Sundowns’ team, has made a name for himself as a playmaking midfielder renowned for his adeptness at manipulating the tempo of games.
While he may not possess the physicality that some of his peers boast, Mokoena offsets this with various skills that enable him to create opportunities and control matches with finesse.
Consistency is a hallmark of Mokoena’s career. His steady performances have forged his reputation as the backbone of the team.
2 Lucas Ribeiro Costa (Sundowns)
In the vibrant tapestry of SA football, few threads shimmer quite as brightly as that of Brazilian Lucas Ribeiro Costa, the Sundowns forward renowned for his exceptional skills.
Praised for his dribbling, shooting, passing, and blistering pace, Ribeiro has carved a niche in the Premiership, earning accolades as one of the league’s most gifted athletes.
Ribeiro has showcased a unique flair that captivates fans and analysts alike. His technical prowess enables him to weave through defenders with ease.
One last session before we go all in for African glory. 🙌#Sundowns #TotalEnergiesCAFCL #RabatsenaGape pic.twitter.com/qZTwmWmxxa
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) May 23, 2025
3 Ronwen Williams (Sundowns)
Few players possess the poise and talent that goalkeeper Ronwen Williams brings to the pitch.
His exceptional shot-stopping ability and sharp reflexes consistently distinguished him as one of the country’s finest talents.
Whether it’s the tension of a cup final or the intensity of league match play, Williams’ prowess offers the team a formidable presence between the posts.
The Bafana star is noted for his astonishing agility. During penalty shootouts, he’s become a reliable saviour for his team.
Hlompho Kekana, Ronwen Williams and Kat Malebana share their thoughts on the new #TotalEnergiesCAFCL trophy. 🏆
What do you think of the new-look trophy Masandawana? 👇#Sundowns #RabatsenaGape pic.twitter.com/PkHe7MLJOp
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) May 23, 2025
4 Mostafa Fethi (Pyramids FC)
In the competitive landscape of African football, few players stand out like Mostafa Fathi, Pyramids’ right wing.
With an enviable skill-set and an innate ability to control the ball with finesse, Fathi has become a key player for his club and a pivotal figure in the broader narrative of Egyptian football.
Fathi’s playing style is defined by his exceptional ball control, which allows him to navigate through opposition defences.
He can adapt to multiple positions with aplomb.
5 Mohamed Chibi (Pyramids FC)
As a defender, his robust athleticism and remarkable agility make him a daunting figure for attackers, often disrupting their rhythm and thwarting goal-scoring opportunities.
His most outstanding asset is his tactical awareness.
Chibi demonstrates an innate ability to read the game, consistently anticipating the opposition’s moves.
This foresight allows him to position himself adeptly, cutting off passing lanes and intercepting balls, a skill that has saved his team on numerous occasions.
𝓰𝓸𝓸𝓭 𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓷𝓲𝓷𝓰 🇿🇦☀️#Pyramids | #ملوك_الكرة pic.twitter.com/iSd16yaONZ
— Pyramids FC (@pyramidsfc) May 23, 2025
6 Fiston Mayele (Pyramids FC)
The Democratic Republic of Congo-born striker Fiston Mayele knows the path to the opposition’s goals.
As a Kaizer Chiefs transfer target, he’ll attract loads of attention at Loftus.
With an unerring sense of position and an instinct for scoring, Mayele has quickly established himself as an asset to his team.
Yet, like any athlete, he possesses a volatile mix of strengths and weaknesses that shape his dynamic performance on the field.
