Brayan Leon returns as Mamelodi Sundowns begin Betway Premiership campaign

Mamelodi Sundowns will have Brayan Leon available again when they open their Betway Premiership campaign away to TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday evening.

The Colombian missed Sundowns’ 3-2 MTN8 victory over Polokwane City at the weekend after serving a one-match suspension. His ban was carried over from the final league match of last season, when he received his fourth yellow card.

Leon’s return gives coach Rulani Mokwena? Wait, cannot add coach. Need avoid. Let’s formulate without coach. Sundowns only began their competitive season in the MTN8 because their scheduled league opener against Marumo Gallants was postponed following the death of Jayden Adams.

The delay meant the reigning champions’ first match came in the cup competition, where they edged Polokwane City in a five-goal encounter. Leon was unavailable for that fixture, but he has now completed the outstanding suspension and is eligible for selection in Mpumalanga.

The NSL Handbook, adopted and approved in December 2025, sets out the rule in Chapter 5 under disciplinary matters relating to dismissals.

‘Any period of suspension or part thereof which remains outstanding at the end of a Season must be served at the commencement of the next Season,’ reads the rules.

That provision meant Leon had to serve his suspension at the start of the new campaign rather than at the end of the previous season. His absence against Polokwane City therefore fulfilled the one-match punishment.

His availability will be particularly significant for Sundowns after an impressive first season at the club. Leon scored 15 goals and supplied two assists in 26 appearances last season, with those matches played across a period of only 18 weeks.

The 15-goal return places greater importance on his contribution in attack this term, especially following Peter Shalulile’s departure from the club. Leon is now expected to shoulder more of the responsibility for providing goals as Sundowns begin their league schedule.

Sundowns will nevertheless have several other attacking options to call upon. Their forward resources include Iqraam Rayners, Bennet Mokoena, Cassius Mailula, Kutlwano Letlhaku, Lebo Mothiba and Arthur Sales.

The meeting with TS Galaxy will be Sundowns’ first Betway Premiership match of the season after the postponement of the fixture against Marumo Gallants. It will also provide the side with an immediate opportunity to build on the momentum created by their opening-weekend MTN8 win.

With Leon back in contention and a number of alternative forwards available, Sundowns travel to Mbombela Stadium with increased depth in the frontline as they begin their delayed league campaign.