Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies got back to winning ways in the Hollywoodbets Super League as they trounced Thunderbirds Ladies 4-0 in a highly entertaining encounter played on Wednesday at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.
Braces from Miche Minnies and Melinda Kgadiete were enough to hand Masandawana a resounding victory to boost their title defense ambitions.
Coach Jerry ‘Kappa’ Tshabalala fielded a strong attacking lineup with Sedilame Bosija in goal while Bambanani Mbane, Regina Mogolola, Khutso Pila, and Lehlogonolo Mashigo anchored the defense. Chuene Morifi, Oratile Mokwena, and Boitumelo Rabale started in midfield while Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Melinda Kgadiete, and Miche Minnies started in a three-pronged attack.
The Brazilians dominated both possession and territory in the opening period and were duly rewarded with the opener 10 minutes before the break thanks to a fine strike from Miche Minnies.
The continental champions continued to pressurize their opponents and were rewarded with a second goal five minutes before halftime courtesy of a superb header from Melinda Kgadiete.
After the break, Melinda Kgadiete bagged her brace as Minnies turned provider in a blistering spell of attacking football.
Coach Jerry then looked to the bench for more reinforcements with Thalea Smidt, Thembelihle Masibi, Karabo Makhurubetshi, and Lelona Daweti replacing Chuene Morifi, Melinda Kgadiete, Lehlogonolo Mashigo, and Boitumelo Rabale respectively.
Miche Minnies was on hand to complete her brace late on as Sundowns Ladies sealed a ruthless attacking display against the Eastern Cape team.
Miche Minnies who bagged a stunning brace continues to pile up the numbers in her debut season with The Brazilians, something which excites her.
“We created several goal-scoring chances today and I am happy that I took my opportunities when they came. As a striker, I feel motivated to excel with this team because winning is a culture at Chloorkop. We started the game brightly and I loved the way we dominated the first half in key areas. Overall, we stuck to the game plan, and we are happy to seal maximum points,” Minnies stated.
Melinda Kgadiete was full of praise for the collective team effort despite her solid attacking display.
“I am very happy with my performance today because we needed to respond after the tough encounter last time out. I am always happy to be on the score sheet, but claiming the win is always the ultimate objective. We need to build on this momentum because there is still a long way to go,” Kgadiete stated.
Sundowns Ladies remain on top of the Hollywoodbets Super League standings with 52 points, courtesy of 17 wins in 20 games played thus far. The Brazilians have bagged an impressive 83 goals.
On the Sundowns’ scoring chart, Miche Minnies now lead the way with 15 goals, one more than Boitumelo Rabale who is on 14 strikes. Andisiwe Mgcoyi has 10 goals to her name while Melinda Kgadiete has registered seven goals thus far.
Up next for Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies is a tricky tie against Bloemfontein Celtic Ladies on Sunday.
Perfect response Girls!!!
