MAMELODI Sundowns and Orlando Pirates were among top player-contributors at AFCON 2025 as they now gear up for a domestic title race. The PSL Betway Premiership will resume earlier than initially scheduled, with fixtures starting next Monday rather than the previously planned Tuesday. This shift follows Bafana Bafana’s early exit from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Morocco, enabling a swift return to domestic football.
Following a disappointing 2-1 round-of-16 loss to Cameroon, the national team has returned home earlier than expected, giving local clubs a two-week window to recover before the competitive resumption. The unplanned break is particularly timely for teams such as Orlando Pirates, which boasts a significant representation in the national squad. The rest period allows players to recover from chronic injuries, ensuring they are fit for upcoming league matches.
This change not only gives Sundowns players additional time to rest but also offers an opportunity to recalibrate and refocus as they prepare for major continental competitions. Excitement continues to swirl around Sundowns’ training camp on Monday morning with the arrival of Colombian forward Brayan León, who has signed after leaving Independiente Medellín. The introduction of León promises to provide a fresh dynamic to Sundowns’ attack, especially following the departure of Brazilian midfielder Lucas Ribeiro Costa to Cultural Leonesa in Spain.
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While León may not directly replicate Ribeiro’s goal-scoring prowess, his distinctive skill set is likely to enhance team cohesion and ball distribution. As speculation grows on how he will fit into the existing structure, fans are excited about León’s potential impact and how his play style might complement the team’s strategies. His adaptability and footballing vision could offer new tactical variations in Sundowns’ offensive approach, significantly enhancing their competitive edge.
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