Misfiring Brayan Leon given Sundowns warning

Mamelodi Sundowns striker Brayan Leon has been warned that he risks losing his position in the team if he continues misfiring.

Leon, who was a revelation at Sundowns when he signed in January, scoring 15 goals in 26 matches, has so far managed three in 14 games in 2026-27.

Sphelele Mkhulise, Brayan Leon and Cassius Mailula celebrate a goal for Mamelodi Sundowns. — Sphelele Mkhulise, Brayan Leon and Cassius Mailula celebrate a goal. Photo: Mamelodi Sundowns

However, his last goal was against AmaZulu in August, with his drought seeing coach Miguel Cardoso drop him to the bench in recent matches in favour of Iqraam Rayners.

Rayners has grabbed his chance with five of his six goals this season scored in the last seven games, and former Sundowns midfielder Manqoba ‘Shales’ Ngwenya feels it is now clear who should be starting upfront.

Brayan Leon of Mamelodi Sundowns – Image: Sundowns

Rayners backed to lead Sundowns attack

“I would go with Rayners. He has been scoring so why do you want to break that form that he has been in?” Ngwenya posed on SoccerBeat.

“We know Rayners is a goal scorer and besides the goal, I thought his performance was great. Always giving the defenders a hard time and creating things,” he added, praising Rayners’ output after his goal helped Sundowns to a 1-0 win over Golden Arrows in the Carling Knockout quarter-final on Tuesday.

Mamelodi Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners. — Iqraam Rayners. Image: Imago

“I liked his link-up play with [Sphelele] Mkhulise. I like the way Mkhulise gets in the box, he can do a lot more for me as I know that comes with gametime as well,” he said.

“I like the positions he gets himself into, the positions that [Arthur] Sales should be getting himself into in the box to create chances.”

⚽️ Ngwenya: Leon Needs To Know He's Got COMPETITION! ⚽️

Shakes Ngwenya picks his striker for Sunday's Super Cup, and it's NOT Brian Leon! 👆😳⚽️

📺: https://t.co/upigdT5AO9 #AirMobile #PSL #AbsaFootballFridays pic.twitter.com/PJhdBtyfQQ
— SoccerBeat (@SoccerBeatZA) November 4, 2026

Leon warned after long goal drought

With Sundowns set for another cup game, taking on Algerian club USM Alger in the CAF Super Cup on Sunday, Ngwenya does not want Cardoso to change what is already working in attack.

Brayan Leon celebrates. Photo – Mamelodi Sundowns

“Definitely happy with Rayners and I think he works so hard off the ball, besides just scoring the goals. I think it is his opportunity and I would start him in the next game,” he insisted while warning Leon.

“Leon needs to know that he has got competition there and if he doesn’t score goals, the next striker will come in and score.”