Brayan Leon of Mamelodi Sundowns celebrates a goal during the Betway Premiership 2025/26 match between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on 18 February 2026 ©Alche Greeff/BackpagePix
Thursday Feb 19, 2026. 10:00
Mamelodi Sundowns’ Brayan León has found his stride for his new club, having now netted four goals in his last two games.
The Colombian joined the reigning South African champions in early January from Independiente Medellín and impressed on his debut in the Betway Premiership, netting against Orbit College to seal Sundowns’ victory.
After failing to score on his CAF Champions League debut against Al Hilal S.C. , he netted a second goal for Sundowns in stoppage time of their 2-0 win over Sekhukhune before going goalless in the second leg against Al Hilal.
After an already impressive start, he has made vital contributions in the last week which have kep the Brazilian on track both domestically, and in continental competition.
The striker bagged two goals on Saturday which saw Sundowns triumph over MC Alger in their final CAF Champions League group game, securing qualifications for the knockout stage.
He followed that performance up with a further two goal against Orlando Pirates at the FNB Stadium, cutting the Buccaneers lead at the top of the table to three points.
The Brazilians opened the scoring in the 37th minute, with León putting the visitors ahead. The Colombian picked his run perfectly, slipping in between Pirates defenders Lehlonolo Seema and Nkosinathi Sibisi, running off Sibisi’s shoulder. Nuno Santos spotted his run, serving the ball on a platter for León to slot into the back of the net.
Santos’ pass was, however, not the best assist of the evening. For the second goal, Aubrey Modiba picked out a nearly identical run from León, this time at the near post. Once again slipping between Pirates’ central defenders, Modiba placed his pass perfectly. The ball narrowly beat the sliding Seema to find the Colombian, who helped it on its way past goalkeeper Sipho Chaine.
Wednesday’s encounter was not the first time that León has found success at the near post, scoring from a similar spot against Al Hilal at home.
With six goals in seven games, the forward has proven himself to be prolific thus far. Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has credited the wider, existing group for the striker’s integration into the squad and his success upon his arrival.
“Look, the adaptation of Brayan [León], Nuno [Santos], Miguel [Reisinho], the players that arrived for us this season have been very good because of the group we have, the club we have, the work we do together in order obviously to make them get as quick as possible identified with the way we want to play,” said Cardoso.
The Portuguese tactician will hope that the newest addition to his strike force can keep firing as they continue to apply pressure at the top of the table.
By Nic Gleeson