Brayan Leon targets more silverware after fast start at Mamelodi Sundowns

Brayan Leon has made an instant impact at Mamelodi Sundowns, scoring 18 goals in 35 appearances and helping the club win the CAF Champions League less than a year after joining in January.

The Colombian forward moved from Independiente Medellin to the Tshwane giants at the start of the year, describing the transition to South Africa as difficult because of both the distance and the cultural differences.

Speaking to FIFA on Monday, Leon said the quality and experience within the Sundowns squad helped him settle.

“You look at the players they have amongst their ranks, and most of them have been to the World Cup, with the majority representing their countries. It’s a club that paves the way for the national team and expects to win every trophy possible.”

Leon’s rapid rise at Chloorkop has also reflected the ambitions he developed as a child while watching fellow Colombian Radamel Falcao.

The striker said he had been “in awe” of Falcao, whose career took him to clubs around the world and made him a widely recognised figure in the game.

“What he [Falcao] achieved at the height of his career made him a household name around the world.”

Champions League success raises expectations

Leon said he was welcomed “with open arms” by The Brazilians and was immediately given a clear objective: help Sundowns conquer Africa.

That target has already been achieved, with the club lifting the CAF Champions League during his first season.

“I came in and ended up winning the biggest competition in African football. That’s where we showed why we’re the best team on the continent. When I joined the club, they told me we had to win the tournament, and that’s exactly what we did,” he said.

The forward now faces another important test on Saturday, when Sundowns play Al Ahli at Loftus Versfeld.

Leon must produce another decisive performance if he is to help the club complete a domestic and continental clean sweep. Head coach Miguel Cardoso is expecting another strong display from the striker on home soil.

The Colombian has credited Cardoso with helping Sundowns develop across several areas and praised the manager’s understanding of the game.

“He’s one of the best coaches on the continent. He knows the game inside out and knows what it takes to be successful. We have to follow his lead. If he makes a mistake, we all make the same mistake. For me, he’s a top-drawer coach.”

With 18 goals already to his name, Leon is quickly building a reputation at Sundowns and has made a strong start to his ambition of following the path established by his childhood hero.