Coach Jerry Tshabalala has expressed his delight after his charges delivered a commanding performance against Congo’s TP Mazembe in their final Group B fixture.
Banyana Ba Style were in beast mode as they ran out 4-0 winners, courtesy of goals from Zanele Nhlapho, Lelona Daweti, Melinda Kgadiete, and Gabonnelwe Kekana.
Despite needing only a draw to secure progression to the knockout phase and clinch the group, Sundowns Ladies showed clinical finishing again, something which excited Kappa.
“It was a very big game against TP Mazembe as they were also fighting for maximum points. However, we got an early goal which settled our nerves and ensured that we took control of the fixture. Credit must go to the team as well as our defensive line for nullifying the attacking threats of our opponents. We are happy with all three points and even more excited that we finished as Group winners,” Coach Jerry stated.
Kappa also expressed his satisfaction with the number of goals scored thus far, “We are making very good progress because last year, we scored just two goals in the group stage; this year, we scored 11 times. These are confidence boosters for the team because we aim to find the back of the net against anyone we face. I am also happy that everyone is getting on the scoresheet, and we are not depending on one player to deliver the goals.”
With a place in the final up for grabs, Coach Tshabalala cannot wait for the mouthwatering last-four tie against Tanzania’s Simba Queens.
“Everyone will be looking forward to this big clash because both teams will be aiming to reach the final. They are a very solid team that possesses pacy players who can make dangerous runs. To be the champions of Africa, we need to negate the plans of our opponents and we are ready for our next assignment,” Kappa concluded.
On scoring on her return to full fitness, substitute Gabonnelwe Kekana who is enjoying her first taste of the continent’s premier women’s tournament said, “I am so happy that we have reached the semi-final of the competition. We aimed to seal progression to the knockout stages in the best possible way and we achieved that. Wednesday’s game will not be an easy one, but we are confident about our chances, and we will be gunning for glory yet again.”
For Wednesday’s semi-finals, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies will face Simba Queens FC of Tanzania while ASFAR of Morocco will face Bayelsa Queens FC of Nigeria.
The winners of this year’s competition will walk away with $400,000, the runner-up $250,000, and the semi-finalists $200,000 each.
