The FORM of Mamelodi Sundowns’ new striker from Colombia, Brayan Leon, relieves the engine of this team from Chloorkop, Marcelo Allende, as they will face Orlando Pirates in the highly anticipated Betway Premiership match.
Sundowns, who are the first in eight seasons to go a year without winning the Premiership log, will face Pirates today at 7.30pm, at FNB Stadium, Nasrec.
Allende, who is from Chile – one of the key players in Sundowns – will be relied upon to start dangerous moves in the stomach in this game which many see as the one that will determine the path that may be taken by the league title on May 23.
However, up front will be Leon from Colombia who is a new striker in the South league who has scored four goals in six games in various competitions. He scored two goals when Sundowns beat MC Alger from Algeria 2-0 in the last match of the Caf Champions League group stage last weekend.
“A lot of things are new to Leon, but he has shown many times that we can rely on him if we want goals,” said Allende.
“We are going to a difficult game and we are the away team, but Leon’s form gives me hope. He will be useful for us even this season if he takes care not to get used to injuries.”
Sundowns are in second place on the log with 32 points from 15 games. It is six points behind the top-ranked Pirates with 38 points from 16 games.
Allende has no doubts that they can win in Soweto as long as they ensure that they resist everything the Pirates send.
“The result we got in the Champions League last weekend should push us to go to FNB with confidence and knowing that we have the experience to come back with full points.
“We have no sign of letting go of the Champions League that we will bring to this game because if we relax, Pirates will widen the gap which will end up being a problem for us.
“My wish is for Sundowns fans to come out in large numbers to support us in this game, which is clear to everyone that it will be at a high level if you compare the squads of the teams that will be competing for points,” said Allende.