Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies return to Hollywoodbets Super League action on Saturday, when Banyana Ba Style travel to Baroka Village to face Copperbelt Ladies.
The match will present another test for the Brazilians as they look to maintain their perfect start to the 2026 season.
Sundowns head into the encounter full of confidence after recording an eighth consecutive victory in their previous match, a convincing 3–0 win over Tuks in the Tshwane Derby. Goals from Melinda Kgadiete, Refilwe Tholakele and Wendy Shongwe secured another three points, while the result also extended their remarkable defensive record, with Banyana Ba Style yet to concede a goal this season.
However, despite their impressive run, the team remains aware that every match presents a different challenge.
For Gugu Dhlamini, one of the biggest positives from the opening stages of the season has been the team’s ability to remain composed and find solutions against opponents who have adopted different approaches.
“We have faced some very tough opponents recently, particularly teams that have used a strong low-block strategy and made it difficult for us to find spaces. Those are not always easy games because you have to remain patient and continue looking for ways to create opportunities without becoming frustrated. I think the team has handled those situations really well. We have stayed together, trusted our approach and continued working until the opportunities came, and that has helped us get all three points.”
That ability to remain patient could once again be important against Copperbelt, with Dhlamini anticipating a physically and mentally demanding contest from the hosts.
“I expect Copperbelt to make the game very difficult for us, especially because they will be playing at home and will want to make a strong start. I think they could use a low block because that can be difficult to break down, particularly when a team stays compact and protects the spaces around the box. At the same time, we expect them to come out strongly both physically and mentally. We have to be prepared for that from the first whistle, stay focused on our football and avoid allowing the nature of the game to affect our decision-making.”
Oratile Mokwena highlighted the importance of the collective spirit within the squad as Banyana Ba Style prepare for another away challenge.
“The team spirit has been one of the things that has really stood out for us. We know that every opponent is going to approach a game against Sundowns with a lot of determination, so being able to rely on each other is very important. Everyone has a role to play, whether that is on the pitch or from the bench, and that togetherness helps us deal with difficult moments. We have to continue encouraging one another, communicating and making sure that we remain united throughout the match.”
Mokwena is also expecting Copperbelt to be a particularly challenging opponent on their home ground.
“They are a very good team, especially when they play at home, so we know that we cannot take anything for granted. Playing away from home can bring a different type of challenge because the opposition will have the support of their home crowd and will be motivated to perform against us. For us, it is about respecting the opponent while remaining focused on what we need to do.”
With eight wins from eight matches and no goals conceded, Banyana Ba Style will arrive at Baroka Village with considerable momentum. But Saturday’s encounter will provide another opportunity for the champions to demonstrate the patience, resilience and togetherness that have characterized their start to the campaign.
The game between Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies and Copperbelt Ladies will take place on Saturday, 26 September, at Baroka Village, with kickoff set for 15H00.
