Mamelodi Sundowns kicked off 2026 by reclaiming the top spot in the
Betway Premiership with a comfortable 2-0 win over Orbit College at Loftus
Versfeld Stadium on Monday night.
Coach Miguel Cardoso rotated his squad, handing starts to Lebogang
Mothiba, Kegan Johannes, Sphelele Mkhulise, Jayden Adams, and Kutlwano
Letlhaku. The boldest selection was 19-year-old Thato Sibiya, who made his
full senior debut after impressive performances for South Africa’s U20
side.
The Brazillas dictated play from the outset, with Adams rattling the
crossbar with a volley and Mothiba forcing a sharp save from Orbit
goalkeeper Mwenya Chibwe inside the opening quarter-hour. Their
persistence paid off in the 24th minute when Arthur Sales capitalized on
defensive confusion in the Orbit box, scoring with an acrobatic finish for
his third league goal of the campaign.
Orbit’s only real chance of the half fell to Lucky Malatsi, who attempted
an ambitious overhead kick that sailed over Ronwen Williams’ bar.
Cardoso introduced new signing Brayan León at halftime for his debut, and
the Peruvian midfielder made an instant impact. In the 65th minute, he
rose highest to powerfully head home a pinpoint cross from the impressive
Sibiya, doubling the lead and marking his arrival in South African
football in style.
Orbit missed a golden opportunity to pull a goal back late on when
substitute Ayanda Lukhele volleyed over from close range, summing up a
frustrating evening for the top-flight newcomers.
The victory sees Sundowns overtake Orlando Pirates at the league summit on
goal difference. Attention now turns to continental competition, as they
face Sudan’s Al Hilal in the CAF Champions League on Friday.
Lineups:
Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams; Johannes, Kekana, Morena, Sibiya; Mkhulise,
Adams (Zwane 62’), Letlhaku (Allende 62’); Matthews, Sales, Mothiba (León
46’).
Subs not used: Onyango, Khoza, Mndunyelwa, Basadien, Reisinho.
Orbit College: Chibwe (Nkomo 55’); Mkhabela, Jingana, Mphahlele, Nhlapo;
Potsana, Batsi, Mokwena; Ramosala (Ralani 70’), Modiemong (Lukhele 70’),
Malatsi.
Subs not used: Ngiba, Mngqibisa, Mahlangu, Mabele, Setlhodi, Manyedi.
