Following a break of more than two months without competitive football, the Hollywoodbets Super League returns this week with several exciting fixtures.
In one of the standout clashes of the weekend, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies will be traveling to Polokwane to face the newly promoted Copperbelts Ladies.
Melinda Kgadiete, one of the six Sundowns Ladies who featured at the recently concluded FIFA Women’s World Cup, shares her feelings about rejoining the team.
“Home is truly where the heart is and the joy of returning after over two months away from the camp – first at the national camp and then at the World Cup – is a great feeling. These recent months have been a transformative journey of learning, providing me with a wealth of lessons that I am eager to integrate into our team dynamics. The last few months have also offered amazing insights into the virtues of discipline, dedication and a deeper understanding of the game itself. Amidst these lessons, there is a drive to enhance both my skills as a footballer and my personal growth as an individual,” Kgadiete said.
With the conclusion of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Banyana Ba Style is now focusing on strengthening their title defense as they go up against the 12th-placed Copperbelts Ladies. The two teams met earlier this season, with Sundowns Ladies emerging victorious with a 4-1 scoreline, thanks to goals from Lelona Daweti, Boitumelo Rabale, Melinda Kgadiete and Andisiwe Mgcoyi.
Despite that convincing victory last time out, Captain Zanele Nhlapho is gearing up for a demanding clash this time around. “They are a tough opponent and our previous encounter was far from easy. We anticipate they might employ a defensive approach, given that several teams this season have chosen to sit back and invite the pressure. Overall, the league has improved significantly and there are no more pushovers. As a united team, we are fully equipped to tackle whatever challenge they bring, with our primary objective being to secure maximum points.”
The Brazilians will also be welcoming back Lerato Kgasago, who has been sidelined with an injury for some time now. The midfielder expressed her excitement to be available for selection on Saturday.
“I am genuinely thrilled, especially with the league’s resurgence following Banyana’s exceptional performance in the World Cup. We are all eagerly awaiting the resumption of domestic football. Furthermore, we are also working very hard ahead of the forthcoming COSAFA tournament to secure the desired outcome – qualification for the CAF Women’s Champions League. On a personal note, I am also delighted to be back in training with the team after a few weeks on the sidelines due to an injury,” Kgasago stated.
Sundowns Ladies are currently top of the Hollywoodbets Super League with 47 points, with 15 wins and two draws after 18 games. Their opponents meanwhile are currently placed 12th with five wins and 13 losses to their name.
The match between Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies and Copperbelts Ladies is scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 26th, at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. The kick-off is set for 15h00.
Go for it ladies…you always make us proud.
MY favourite ladies team is back to destroy teams . Good luck in your game tomorrow . Just go there and do what you normally do best that is scoring goals. Happy with the return of Lerato Kgasago as well as Mcheldinho Minniies the scoring machine. All the best ladies