Transfer news: Who is Mamelodi Sundowns' new Colombian signing Brayan Leon?

by Devesh Jaganath

image Transfer news: Who is Mamelodi Sundowns' new Colombian signing Brayan Leon?
Mamelodi Sundowns have bolstered their squad ahead of the resumption of the Betway Premiership season next week. The Brazilians have brought in three new players, including Colombian forward Brayan Leon from Independiente Medellin as a replacement for Lucas Ribeiro Costa.

Leon looking forward to light up PSL with Downs 

With the Betway Premiership now under a week from recommencing following the elimination of Bafana Bafana from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, teams are busy at work putting the final touches on their preparations for the second half of the campaign. 

Mamelodi Sundowns have been very busy during the current transfer window, and last week, the Brazilians confirmed their marquee signing of 2026, Brayan Leon, who arrives at the club from Liga Dimayor outfit Independiente Medellin.

The 25-year-old striker came through the ranks at Deportivo Pereira, who he helped win their first-ever Liga BetPlay Clausura title in 2022. He then spent a short stint with Junior de Barranquilla before moving to the Medellin-based club in 2024. 

Under Alejandro Restrepo, Leon went on to make 118 appearances, scoring 33 goals and providing 17 assists, which put him on the radar of Masandawana as a replacement for the now-departed Lucas Ribeiro Costa. After arriving in Mamelodi, Leon said in a media interview:

“I chose Sundowns because of the new challenges, and I think this is the best team, the most successful. It’s always great to have these new challenges and to be a champion here. I really hope to return the favour. That’s what I’m here for, to reap titles. I’m proud to be a yellow.”

Leon arrives in South Africa with Sundowns currently in second place in the league standings, two points behind Orlando Pirates and having played a game more. The Brazilians are eyeing a ninth consecutive league title and are also aiming for a deep run in the CAF Champions League. 

 

Sundowns confirm Saleng and Ndamane signings 

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In addition to Leon, Mamelodi Sundowns have also brought in Monnapule Saleng from Orlando Pirates for the second half of the season in a move that is considered one of the most unexpected of the January transfer window. 

Saleng spent the entire first half of the league campaign on loan at Orbit College, and the Bucs decided to allow him to move to their rivals rather than risk losing him on a free transfer at the end of his current deal with the Soweto giants. 

Masandawan’s most recent signing is that of Khulumani Ndamane from TS Galaxy. The former Kaizer Chiefs youth prospect featured 42 times for the Rockets and helped them finish fifth in the Betway Premiership in the 2024-25 campaign. 

The 21-year-old’s performances for TSG earned him a call-up to Hugo Bross’s Bafana Bafana squad, where he earned four caps. He also travelled with the team to Morocco for the 2025 AFCON but was an unused substitute in Bafana’s run to the Round of 16.