Brayan Leon: Miguel Cardoso Reacts to Mamelodi Sundowns' New Signing’s Performance on His Debut

• Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has reacted to Brayan Leon's performance on his debut for the Brazilians in the Betway Premiership
• The 25-year-old striker found the back of the net as the Premier Soccer League giants defeated Orbit College in their first match in the league in 2026
• The Colombian attacker was one of the players the Brazilians signed during the January transfer window, and they are expected to sign more before the window closes

Brayan Leon made a positive impression on his debut for Mamelodi Sundowns as he found the back of the net during the Brazilians' 2-0 win over Orbit College in their Betway Premiership fixture on Monday, January 19, 2026.

The Pretoria giants started the second half of the season on a good note, and the win placed them above Orlando Pirates on the Betway Premiership standings, with the Soweto-based club still having two outstanding games.

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Miguel Cardoso hails South African star after Sundowns’ win over Orbit College

Sundowns are on top of the league with 29 points from 14 matches, while the Sea Robbers are second with 28 points from 12 games.

Cardoso reacts to Leon's performance vs Orbit

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has shared his thoughts on Leon’s debut performance during the team’s 2-0 victory over Orbit College in Tshwane on Monday evening.

The 25-year-old Colombian joined the reigning Betway Premiership champions earlier this month and made his first appearance after coming on at the start of the second half.

Leon made an immediate impact, scoring the decisive goal just 20 minutes after entering, helping Sundowns reclaim the top spot on the table from their bitter rivals, Orlando Pirates.

Cardoso expressed satisfaction with Leon’s contribution, highlighting the added flexibility he brings to the squad, particularly with several key players unavailable.

“We knew Lebo [Mothiba] wouldn’t be able to play the entire match, and we also wanted Brayan to feature for half the game, so the substitution was planned,” Cardoso told SuperSport TV.

Cardoso on having options on the bench

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New signing shines as Sundowns overtake Pirates with Orbit College win

Cardoso also reflected on Mamelodi Sundowns having more options on the bench to call upon during matches, as he claimed his team has a busy schedule.

The Portuguese tactician claimed the players need to understand that they would get their chances, and disclosed what he expects to get from them when they are handed the opportunity.

“It’s encouraging to have more options, especially when some of our main players aren’t even on the bench," he added.

"The players need to understand that Sundowns have a busy schedule, and everyone must be ready to seize the chances they get. That’s what I expect moving forward.”

Cardoso hails SA youngster

Briefly News earlier reported that Miguel Cardoso hailed a South African youngster after producing a splendid performance in Mamelodi Sundowns' win over Orbit College in the Betway Premiership.

The former Esperance of Tunisia coach was happy with the Amajita star's display, with his effort being crowned with a Man of the Match award.

Source: Briefly News