Leon gets dream debut as Sundowns beat Saleng-less Orbit College to overtake Pirates

A goal in either half saw Mamelodi Sundowns beat Orbit College 2-0 in the Premier Soccer League on Monday night at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

The defending champions have made three signings already in the ongoing transfer window, bringing in Khulumani Ndamane (TS Galaxy), Brayan Leon (Indipendiente Medellin, Colombia), and Monnapule Saleng (Orlando Pirates.

However, it was the South American who made the bench for the Brazilians who new victory would take them top of the table.

Sales classy finish hand Downs the lead

Saleng wasn’t available to play against his former team owing to an injury that will put him out for a couple of weeks.

The Mswenko Boys struggled to match their hosts, who ensured they had the best quality on the pitch. As a matter of fact, Jayden Adams could have found the back of the net after just four minutes, but the upright denied him.

Arthur Sales capitalised on a massive blunder by goalkeeper Cyril Chibwe to acrobatically guide the ball home to frustrate the Premier Soccer League newbies who had resorted to going for a low block and hit Masandawana on counterattack

Masandawana could have doubled the advantage in the 26th minute, but Lebo Mothiba couldn’t keep the ball in control and Chibwe stepped up to ensure the first half ended goalless.

Leon makes his introduction

Mothiba was subbed after the break with new signing Leon taking his place on the pitch.

It took the Colombian less than 20 minutes to show the fans and rival teams what he is capable of. Thato Sibiya played a good cross from the left and the striker rose highest to head the ball home.

Reisinho could have added a third with eight minutes to go but Orbit College defender Ramahlwe Mphahlele was on the right place to clear the ball off the line.

Nevertheless, the Brazilians had done enough to go top of the table with 29 points, a point less than second-placed Orlando Pirates, who have played 12 games, two less than Sundowns.