Mamelodi Sundowns lose Brayan Leon for MT8 quarter-final after yellow-card suspension

Mamelodi Sundowns will be without in-form Colombian striker Brayan Leon for their MT8 quarter-final against Polokwane City on Saturday after he was suspended for accumulating yellow cards.

The match is scheduled for 18:00 at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium, where Sundowns will begin their new-season campaign without a forward who made an immediate impact after arriving at the club in January.

Leon scored 15 goals and supplied two assists in 26 appearances during his first 18 weeks with Sundowns. His prolific start led the club to improve his contract, with the revised terms taking effect on 1 July.

However, the striker’s regular bookings have now created a significant problem for the reigning champions, who must face Polokwane City without one of their most productive attacking players.

Leon’s suspension comes at a particularly important time for Sundowns. The Colombian is expected to carry much of the scoring responsibility this season following the departure of Peter Shalulile.

His record last season underlined his importance to the team. Leon averaged a goal every 1.5 matches, while his minutes-per-goal rate was 81.

The absence means Sundowns will have to find an alternative in attack for the MT8 quarter-final, with Leon unavailable despite his strong scoring form since joining the club.

His arrival in January quickly turned into one of Sundowns’ major attacking success stories. Across 26 appearances, he contributed directly to 17 goals, combining his 15 strikes with two assists in a concentrated spell lasting 18 weeks.

That return also helped secure an improved contract, but the disciplinary issue surrounding his yellow-card record has now interrupted his progress at the start of the new season.

Sundowns’ meeting with Polokwane City takes place on Saturday at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium, with kick-off at 18:00. The MT8 quarter-final will be played without the forward who finished last season as one of the side’s most efficient scorers.

The absence of Peter Shalulile has increased the importance of Leon’s contribution, making his suspension an especially notable setback before the opening fixture. His previous rate of one goal every 1.5 matches and 81 minutes per goal illustrates the role Sundowns will need to replace for this match.

A related report, “PSL @ 30 | Mohafe discloses how his sufferings almost made him quit”, has also been published.

Supporters planning to bet on Sundowns this week are advised to review betting sites before placing a wager, considering factors including the quality of odds, welcome offers, payout speed and user experience.