Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies continued their outstanding start to the Hollywoodbets Super League season as they registered a come-from-behind 3-1 win over Ma-Indies Ladies in their second game of the season.
A first-half goal from Miche Minnes coupled with second-half strikes from substitutes Lelona Daweti and Melinda Kgadiete was enough to hand Banyana Ba Style all three points at the Groenkloof Tuks Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Coach Jerry ‘Kappa’ Tshabalala rang several changes to his team with Sedilame Boseja replacing Andile Dlamini in goal while new signing Thato Letsoso was handed her debut in defense. The recruit from TUT Ladies was flanked by Karabo Makhurubetshi, Regina Mogolola and Karabo Dhlamini. Thalea Smidt, Lehlogonolo Mashigo and Lerato Kgasago were deployed in midfield while Miche Minnes, Boitumelo Rabale and Nonhlanhla Mthandi started up front.
A highly competitive first-half saw the visitors grab an early lead, but Miche Minnes restored parity to continue her excellent record against the Limpopo-based side. Before the break, Lelona Daweti was introduced for Lerato Kgasago as Coach Jerry required more attacking thrust.
That substitution worked magic after the break as Daweti registered her first goal of the campaign after some good teamwork. The points were secured late thanks to a sweet finish from substitute Melinda Kgadiete, ensuring that Sundowns Ladies maintained their perfect start to the campaign.
Thato Letsoso expressed her excitement after excelling on her debut, “We had a shaky start to the game because our opponents were quite formidable and grabbed the opening goal. Despite that early setback, we didn’t panic and responded well by equalizing before the break. We improved after the restart and I’m very excited to have contributed to the team’s success in my first game for this great club. We’re already looking forward to the next game.”
Kgadiete was also full of praise for her side who displayed patience after conceding the opening goal, “We faced a team that deployed a low block throughout the game, making it difficult for us at times. Thus, we had to be inventive to break them down, and we eventually did so after a slow start. We’re never happy when we concede goals, as we work hard in training to prevent them. I’m very happy to have gotten on the scoresheet because I struggled during the opening game against Richmond United. Making a direct contribution to the team’s win today excites me greatly.”
Up next for Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies FC is a clash against First Touch FC.
Well played ladies , this being the second game of the campaign it is understandable that you guys are a bit rusty. We know that once you start jelling well some teams will suffer. Some of our passing was poor we were losing balls unnecessarily so but u guys are forgiven, it’s early days . I know we will improve with games. Good debut for Thato, a solid and comfortable defender, Zanele has cover there, she can take coaching knowing her position is good hands. Just saying we know we still need the leadership that Zanele brings. Let rectify our mistakes from this game and improve in the next game. All the best Banyana Ba Style