Mamelodi Sundowns have overtaken Orlando Pirates at the top of the Betway Premiership after a 2-0 win over Orbit College at the Loftus Versfeld.
The 23-year-old Brazilian Sales opened the scoring in the 24th minute, before the new Colombian striker Leon made it 2-0 in the 64th minute.
SIX CHANGES MADE BY MAMELODI SUNDOWNS COACH MIGUEL CARDOSO
The standout news from Sundowns’ team selection was the official debut of 19-year-old left-back Thato Sibiya.
Central defence also featured a surprise change, with Keagan Johannes coming into the lineup, while midfield saw a fresh partnership between Sphelele Mkhulise and Jayden Adams.
New signing Brayan Leon was named on the bench, and both Khulumani Ndamane and Monnapule Saleng were absent from the matchday squad.
The victory left Sundowns a point ahead of the Buccaneers, though the Sea Robbers hold two games in hand. Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side will taste action away to Sekhukhune United at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday at 15:30.
Meanwhile, Sundowns switch focus to the CAF Champions League. The Betway Premiership champions have a trip up north to take on Sudanese giants Al-Hilal.
The game is set for Friday night at 20:00. It will be matchday three after a 3-1 win over DR Congo’s Saint-Eloi Lupopo and a 0-0 draw away to Rulani Mokwena’s MC Alger.
Sundowns have their sights on winning Africa’s biggest club competition after losing in the final against Egypt’s Pyramids FC in last season’s edition.
BETWAY PREMIERSHIP MIDWEEK FIXTURES
The Betway Premiership features several exciting matches this midweek. On Tuesday, January 20, 2026, there are two games scheduled: Kaizer Chiefs will face Golden Arrows at 19:30.
Sekhukhune United will go up against Stellenbosch FC at the same time. The midweek action concludes on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, with a single fixture as TS Galaxy hosts Marumo Gallants at 19:30.
Also read: January Transfers: Pirates and Sundowns signings compared