Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies began the new Hollywoodbets Super League season on a positive note thanks to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Richmond United at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday.
An early strike in the second half from last season’s Player of the Season, Boitumelo Rabale was enough to hand Banyana Ba Style all three points.
Coach Jerry ‘Kappa’ Tshabalala deployed a strong team with Andile Dlamini starting in goal while Tiisetso Makhubela, Bambanani Mbane, Karabo Dhlamini and Chuene Morifi anchored the defense. Lehlogonolo Mashigo, Oratile Mokwena and Lerato Kgasago started in midfield while Boitumelo Rabale, Lelona Daweti and Melinda Kgadiete formed a three-woman attacking trident.
The Brazilians began the game on the front foot with Rabale and Melinda Kgadiete coming close on several occasions. Despite the pressures, the Chloorkop- side was unable to find the back of the net as the opponents proved equal to the task.
The deadlock was eventually broken just after the resumption of the second half as Chuene Morifi’s delightful cross was tucked home by Boitumelo Rabale.
Sundowns Ladies continued to dominate possession after that and even with the introduction of Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Thalea Smidt, Regina Mogolola and Miche Minnes for Lerato Kgasago, Lehlogonolo Mashigo, Melinda Kgadiete and Karabo Dhlamini respectively, the reigning champions had done enough to secure an opening day victory.
“Our opponents made the game quite difficult for us, but I must praise my team for their solid showing despite missing a couple of chances. We responded very well after the break and we got the goal which calmed our nerves. Last season, we also faced a very tough opening-day fixture against Ma-Indies which we won 2-1. The most important thing is to get the maximum points and we did that today and I am pleased with the performance of the team,” stated Coach Tshabalala.
Rabale whose solitary strike secured the win was named Player of the Match, “I am so happy that we clinched maximum points because commencing the season with a victory means so much. Scoring the winning goal gives me so much joy and I dedicate this award to the entire team for their outstanding display against Richmond United.”
Tiisetso Makhubela also expressed her delight after the tightly contested fixture, “Games against Richmond United are never easy and today was further proof of that. On several occasions, they frustrated our efforts, but we showed our class in the second half to secure maximum points. They also stood firm against us last season and I believe they remain one of the most unpredictable sides in the league.”
Up next for Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies FC is a clash against Ma-Indies Ladies.
Thats how we do it ladies
Congratulations ladies for the win, but am worried about what the Richmond United coach said. He was able to strategise because we are so predictable. Can the coach come up with a system that will be unpredictable because the way we play teams have figured us out that is why UWC and TUT were able to beat us. Always using the wings and when wingplay is blocked then we struggle. A surprise element is required , maybe adopt what the senior men’s team is doing