Mamelodi Sundowns FC striker Brayan Leon has won the Betway Premiership Goal of the Month award for August 2026. The Premier Soccer League announced the first monthly awards of the 2026/27 season on Monday, 07 September, with Leon's stunning volley against AmaZulu taking the top goal prize.
This recognition for the Sundowns forward comes as the club prepares for the new season following a strong 2025 campaign where they finished second in the Premier Soccer League with 68 points from 30 games. Their record of 20 wins, 8 draws, and just 2 losses left them only a single point behind champions Orlando Pirates. You can see the current league standings as the new season gets underway.
What was Brayan Leon's winning goal?
Leon secured the award for a technically excellent volley scored in a match against AmaZulu FC. The strike was described as clinical by the league. His Sundowns teammate, Teboho Mokoena, was involved in the same attacking move, having taken the free kick that led to the chance. This individual honor highlights the quality within the Sundowns squad, which scored 57 goals last season while conceding only 21 for a commanding +36 goal difference.
Who else won Betway Premiership awards for August?
The other winners for the opening month of the season were Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and AmaZulu striker Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya. The Premier Soccer League stated, "Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya, Abdeslam Ouaddou and Brayan Leon have been named the first winners of the Betway Premiership Monthly Awards for the 2026/27 season."
Ouaddou, who guides the reigning champions Orlando Pirates, earned the Coach of the Month honor after leading his side to three wins and a draw in their first four matches. "Ouaddou’s accolade sees him continue from where he left off last season after winning the last Betway Premiership Coach of the Month award in May last season," the coach said. His Pirates side are the team Sundowns narrowly missed out to in the previous title race.
How did Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya win Player of the Month?
AmaZulu FC's Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya was named Player of the Month after a blistering start to the campaign. The 23-year-old Zimbabwean international scored five goals in just four matches, propelling him to the top of the league's scoring charts. His contributions helped AmaZulu climb to fourth place in the early table. Ngwenya edged out strong competition from Victor Letsoalo of TS Galaxy and Orlando Pirates' Lebone Seema for the award.
What is the context for Mamelodi Sundowns?
For Mamelodi Sundowns, Leon's award is a positive individual note as the team builds towards the new season. The squad, which you can view on our squad page, will be looking to convert last season's strong form, which ended with a run of LWDWW, into a championship challenge. Their attacking output last term demonstrates the firepower available, with Leon now adding a monthly award to the team's credentials. The next fixtures for the Brazilians are available on our fixtures schedule. Brayan Leon's award-winning volley was scored in the 34th minute of the match against AmaZulu.
