WeeklySA_AdminEXCHANGE: SECOND-HALF RESURGENCE SEES SUNDOWNS OVERTURN A FIRST-HALF DEFICIT TO BEAT GERMAN VISITORS RB LEIPZIG, WHILE CLUB CAPTAIN THEMBA ZWANE COMMITS TO THE AFRICAN CHAMPIONS…
By Lehlohonolo Lehana
Mamelodi Sundowns came from behind to defeat German giants RB Leipzig 3-1 in the inaugural Red Bull Diski Last Namba at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria this evening.
Leipzig were in South Africa for their historic “RE KAOFELA” (“All Together”) post-season tour from May 26 to 30, 2026 — the first time the Bundesliga club has toured the African continent. The visit combined elite football with cultural exchanges and community engagement initiatives.
The visitors made the brighter start, controlling possession and building confidently from the back as they sought to impose themselves on the contest.
Their dominance was rewarded in the 22nd minute when Samba Konate unleashed a thunderous strike to give Leipzig a deserved 1-0 lead heading into the halftime break.
From a goal down to a memorable victory, Sundowns showed
the fighting spirit of champions while securing the future of
their beloved captain…
Sundowns emerged with greater purpose after the interval and gradually wrestled control of the match away from their visitors.
The breakthrough arrived 15 minutes from time when Leipzig’s defence switched off, allowing Tashreeq Matthews to set up Brayan Leon, who calmly slotted home the equaliser.
The turnaround was completed just two minutes before full-time.
Nuno Santos delivered a pinpoint cross that found Leon, who produced a clever back-heeled finish off the far post to claim his brace and hand Sundowns the lead.
Youngster Bennet Mokoena then put the result beyond doubt in stoppage time, capping an impressive performance with a well-taken goal to seal a memorable comeback victory for the African champions.
Earlier on Friday, Sundowns also announced that club captain Themba Zwane had signed a new contract, extending his stay with the Tshwane giants.
“Our captain Themba Zwane has signed a new contract, extending his journey with Mamelodi Sundowns.
Here’s to writing more history in yellow!” the club said in a statement.
Speaking after signing the new deal, Zwane thanked the club leadership for their continued faith in him.
“I would like to thank the club’s chairman, Tlhopie Motsepe, and president, Dr Patrice Motsepe, as well as the staff for this opportunity that you have given me,” said Zwane.
“I really appreciate it. You know the love I have for the team. I will continue to push myself and the guys and try to win trophies.”
With more than 400 appearances since joining Sundowns in 2011, Zwane has established himself as one of the club’s most decorated and influential players, and his contract extension will delight supporters eager to see their captain continue adding to an already glittering legacy. – Fullview
