Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies Coach Godfrey Sapula has called for focus, discipline and humility as the two-time CAF Women’s Champions League winners prepare for their COSAFA Women’s Champions League Qualifier campaign in Botswana.
Sundowns Ladies were drawn in Group B alongside Eswatini champions Nsingizini Hotspurs FC, Mozambique’s Costa do Sol and Malawi’s Silver Strikers, with the top two teams progressing to the semi-finals.
Despite Sundowns’ impressive continental pedigree, Sapula insists the team will approach the competition with respect for every opponent and without taking anything for granted.
“My immediate reaction was one of respect for all the teams in our group. At this level, there are no easy games and every opponent deserves our full respect. We know that each match will bring its own challenges, so our approach is to take each game as it comes, prepare thoroughly and give our best in every match.”
Sundowns Ladies arrive in Botswana with the confidence that comes from a superb start to their Hollywoodbets Super League title defence. The Brazilians have won all five of their league matches, scoring 21 goals while yet to concede.
For Sapula, the strong domestic run is encouraging, but he is careful not to place too much emphasis on results achieved in a different competition.
“It is encouraging to have started the league strongly and we are pleased with the team’s performances. The results give us confidence, but we also recognize that continental football presents a different challenge. We cannot rely only on what we have achieved so far. We have to remain focused, continue working hard and improve with every game. We will take the positives from our league campaign and carry that confidence into Botswana while remaining focused on our mission.”
The pressure will be significant, with the Brazilians entering the tournament as one of the region’s most successful clubs. The Brazilians have won the CAF Women’s Champions League twice and are seeking another opportunity to compete for continental honours.
However, Sapula believes their previous achievements should serve as motivation rather than create a sense of entitlement.
“We are grateful and proud of what the team has achieved in the past, but we also understand that past success does not guarantee anything in the next competition. We respect the COSAFA tournament as an important pathway towards qualifying for the CAF Women’s Champions League.”
With Banyana Ba Style expected to attract increased attention from their opponents, the Coach knows his players will have to handle the responsibility that comes with being one of the tournament favourites.
“We prepare by reminding the players that every opponent deserves our full respect. Our preparation, mental strength, discipline and teamwork will be important. We are not entitled to anything; we have to work for it, sweat for it and earn every victory on the field.”
For the Sundowns Coach, that mentality will be crucial as the team attempts to navigate the group stage and secure progression to the knockout rounds. As the team prepares to represent South Africa in Gaborone from August 20–29, Sapula also has a message for the Club’s supporters, the Yellow Nation.
“To the Yellow Nation, thank you for your continued support. We know that whenever we play, we carry your hopes and pride with us, and we do not take that responsibility lightly. We are going to Botswana to represent the Mamelodi Sundowns badge with passion, humility and honour.”
With a strong domestic record behind them, a wealth of continental experience and a clear emphasis on discipline and collective effort, Sundowns Ladies will enter the COSAFA Qualifier knowing that their ultimate objective is to secure another place at the CAF Women’s Champions League finals.
For Sapula and his squad, however, the immediate task is straightforward: respect every opponent, take one match at a time and earn their passage through the tournament on the field.
