Sundowns start the year in style with confident win at Loftus

The new year has barely settled in, but Mamelodi Sundowns wasted no time reminding South Africa why they remain the league’s benchmark. A calm, controlled 2-0 win over Orbit College at Loftus Versfeld on Monday night pushed Bafana ba Style back to the top of the Betway Premiership table, where they now sit a point ahead of Orlando Pirates.

A fresh start after a patchy December

December had not been kind to the champions. That 1-1 draw with Siwelele capped a run of only eight points from five matches, a lull by Sundowns standards. Coach Miguel Cardoso made it clear heading into January that consistency would define the season’s second half.

Orbit College arrived in Tshwane in a difficult spot of their own. Closing out 2025 with three straight defeats left them hovering just above the relegation zone, and Loftus is never the place you want to go when trying to reset your season.

Arthur Sales sparks Sundowns into life

Sundowns nearly struck inside the opening moments when Jayden Adams rattled the woodwork with a timed volley. That early warning set the tone, and the breakthrough eventually came in the 22nd minute.

Arthur Sales, increasingly influential under Cardoso, showed sharp instincts when he closed down Cyril Chibwe’s attempted clearance. With the goalkeeper stranded, Sales reacted quickly, hooking an overhead finish into an open net. It was an improvised moment that lifted both the squad and supporters.

Lebo Mothiba almost doubled the advantage a few minutes later, but Chibwe recovered well to keep his side in the game before the break.

Brayan Leon makes his mark

Orbit College’s hopes took a knock when Chibwe suffered an injury on debut and was forced off on the hour mark. His replacement, Sabelo Nkomo, barely had time to settle before Sundowns’ new signing Brayan Leon introduced himself in emphatic fashion.

In the 65th minute, Leon rose brilliantly to meet a teasing cross from Thato Sibiya, steering a confident header into the net. It was the perfect debut moment, the type of instant impact that immediately wins over Masandawana’s loyal fanbase.

A quiet night for the champions’ defence

For all Sundowns offered in attack, the other end of the pitch was a masterclass in control. Ronwen Williams enjoyed one of the quieter evenings of his career as Orbit College struggled to create anything meaningful.

Miguel Reisinho almost added a third late on, denied only by a goal-line clearance, but by then the job was done. Sundowns were in command, restoring the tempo and rhythm they were missing in December.

What the result means

Sundowns now move back to the top of the league, with a slender lead over Orlando Pirates, who still hold two games in hand. In a tight title race, every point carries weight, and starting the year with such composure will please Cardoso.

Orbit College, meanwhile, remain in troubled territory, but their fight continues with fixtures still offering room for recovery.

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Source: SuperSport
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