Betway Premiership: Sundowns open 2026 with shutout victory

Reigning Betway Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns returned to action after a long break on Monday, defeating Orbit College 2-0 as South Africa’s top flight resumed.

Brazilian forward Arthur Sales’ improvised overhead kick finish put the champions ahead in the first half before Colombian forward Brayan León enjoyed a fruitful debut, scoring the second goal after coming on at halftime.

Visitors Orbit College likely have a difficult second half of the campaign ahead of them and Sundowns showed little mercy. New signing Cyril Chibwe made his debut in goal and the Zambian got his Orbit College stay off to a shaky start. In the 22nd minute, Chibwe’s clearance bounced back off a pressing Sales and the goalkeeper could only bat the ball back in the Brazilian’s direction before his clever bicycle kick finish.

Sundowns keeper Ronwen Williams did not face a shot on target throughout the match, leaving little threat to a team that rotated some players into the starting eleven. But Masandawana supporters did get to see their new big money signing in action and León did not disappoint after being introduced at halftime.

In the 65th minute, the Colombian gave supporters a preview of his goal scoring instincts. South Africa U-20 international fullback Thato Sibiya received a pass on the left wing and floated a cross towards the far post, where León leaped gracefully to place his header perfectly in the corner past substitute goalkeeper Sabelo Nkomo.

The result puts Sundowns back at the top of the table but Orlando Pirates remain the presumptive top side, with the Bucs behind by a point while having two matches in hand on their title rivals.

Action from the league continues on Tuesday with two matches. Third place side Sekhukhune United will host Stellenbosch FC while Kaizer Chiefs take on Golden Arrows.