Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies have enjoyed a riveting Hollywoodbets Super League campaign thus far, thanks to their exhilarating and high-octane style of football. From displaying their goal barrages of scoring in fives, sixes and sevens to demonstrating their perseverance when faced with aggressive and ultra-defensive teams, Banyana Ba Style has continued to showcase their tactically innovative style of play despite the opposition faced this season.
As Sundowns Ladies square off against ninth-placed University of Johannesburg Ladies at the UJ Stadium on Wednesday afternoon in the latest round of fixtures, the reigning champions have the opportunity to extend their comprehensive dominance over the chasing pack. The red-hot Brazilians have a healthy fifteen-point lead over second-placed University of Western Cape Ladies with eight matchdays left.
Ahead of the highly-anticipated fixture against the UJ outfit, Masandawana will be without the trio of Oratile Mokwena, Bambanani Mbane and Melinda Kgadiete who have linked up with the South Africa national women’s team who take on Mozambique in the first round of the African Women Cup of Nation (AWCON) qualifiers on Wednesday at Estadio Nacional do Zimpeto in Maputo. With those players out of contention, Coach Tshabalala will be required to make some big tactical decisions against their opponents.
“We have been training very hard for times like this. We are going to be missing three big players who have joined the Banyana team. Despite their absence, we have a pool of players to choose from. I have been very happy with the energy levels from my troops all season. Our motivation levels have been very high and we are ready for the game against UJ. We are going for all three points and once we can achieve that, all we need is six more points to clinch the league. So we are going into the game full of confidence.” Coach Tshabalala detailed in his press conference.
Having successfully navigated a stern test presented by the highly energetic First Touch Ladies last time out, the table-toppers will be facing yet another tough examination from a very young and energetic UJ side.
“We are playing a very tricky team in this round of fixtures. They have a very youthful and dynamic team that is capable of hurting anyone. They have a very pacy element to their style and as a result, they are very industrious and work very well without the ball. We are fully aware of their attributes and the dangers they present to opponents. Nonetheless, I believe we are in for a very interesting game of football,” Coach Tshabalala concluded.
This season, the Brazilian’s style of football has been characterised by swift passing, energetic pressing, along with faith in youth and the rewards have been colossal. After 18 games played, Banyana Ba Style remains unbeaten thanks to an impressive 17 wins and one draw. Coach Tshabalala’s charges have also smashed in a jaw-dropping 66 goals, 26 more than the next best attack in the league. Defensively, the Chookloop-based side has conceded just nine times which further highlights the team’s solid defensive robustness.
Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies face off against the University of Johannesburg Ladies at the UJ Stadium on Wednesday and the kick-off time is at 15h00.
