Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies will look to extend their perfect start to the 2026 Hollywoodbets Super League campaign when they host the University of the Western Cape (UWC) on Saturday.
Banyana Ba Style head into the encounter on the back of an emphatic 8–0 victory over Richmond United at Westbourne Oval in Gqeberha, a result that marked their biggest win of the season and extended their winning run to 10 matches without conceding a goal.
Boitumelo Rabale was among the standout performers in that encounter, scoring a hat-trick, while Isabella Ludwig contributed a brace. Ronnel Donnelly, Melinda Kgadiete and Refilwe Tholakele also found the net as the reigning Champions delivered another statement of their attacking quality.
Despite their impressive results, Rabale believes the team’s biggest challenge is maintaining its own high standards and continuing to improve with every performance.
“The biggest challenge would not be them in this instance, but it would be a ‘we versus we’ situation because we have set the standard so high. It is still us who need to consistently show up, improve and get the best result.”
The Brazilians will take confidence from their previous meeting with UWC earlier this season, when they recorded a convincing 4–0 victory. Ludwig scored twice, while Noxolo Cesane and Nthabiseng Majiya also got on the scoresheet.
However, Banyana Ba Style will be mindful that every fixture presents a different challenge, particularly against opponents who may adopt a more defensive approach in an attempt to contain their attacking threat.
With Sundowns continuing to keep clean sheets, defensive organisation has also been central to their success. Rabale highlighted the work done on the training ground, crediting the defensive line, goalkeepers and technical team for maintaining the team’s high standards.
“It is very exciting to see us always keeping clean sheets, especially the defensive line and the goalkeepers. It seems easy to do, but it is all polished at training, from how the coach instils the defensive organisation.”
Karabo Makhurubetshi acknowledged that while the team is enjoying a strong run of form, improving its efficiency in the final third remains an important priority.
“The team is in good form, and every player is performing well, but I really think we need to work more on our final third because we do not know whether they will sit back or what approach they will take. We must be prepared for anything.”
The fixture also comes as Sundowns continue building momentum ahead of their CAF Women’s Champions League commitments. Makhurubetshi stressed that maintaining a positive atmosphere and competitive rhythm in the league will be important as the team prepares for continental competition.
“The mood is very high. Remember, we are preparing for CAF, so we have to keep the spirit high in the league so that when we get to CAF, it will be easier.”
With 10 wins from 10 league matches, 38 goals scored and no goals conceded, Sundowns have set an impressive benchmark early in the campaign. Saturday’s meeting with UWC offers another opportunity for Banyana Ba Style to demonstrate their consistency, maintain their defensive discipline and continue their pursuit of domestic success.
Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies face the University of the Western Cape in the Hollywoodbets Super League on Saturday, 17 October, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00.
