Eightfold Excellence: Sundowns Ladies crush First Touch Academy

Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies extended their unbeaten streak to nine games since the start of April with a dominant display of attacking football, securing an impressive 8-1 victory over First Touch Academy in the latest round of the Hollywoodbets Super League.

A superb hat-trick from the red-hot Melinda Kgadiete, combined with goals from five different players, ensured that Banyana Ba Style secured their second-highest win of the season.

After claiming a narrow 2-1 victory in their earlier encounter against their Limpopo opponents this season, the Brazilians were determined to assert their dominance in the fixture held at Wits University Stadium, and they achieved that objective emphatically.

Melinda Kgadiete set the tone with a header in the 12th minute, unleashing a torrent of goals as Sundowns Ladies found the back of the net five times before the halftime whistle.

The goal-scoring spree continued after the halftime break, with Melinda’s treble standing out as the highlight of the match. Boitumelo Rabale, Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Oratile Mokwena, Chuene Morifi and Lebohang Ramalepe also found the back of the net in the one-sided clash.

Oratile Mokwena, who registered her first strike of the campaign, expressed her satisfaction with the team’s overall performance.

“The game was exceptional due to our teamwork and collective effort. We fought hard for one another, and I am pleased to have contributed to the team’s success. While scoring was significant, I take pride in the overall performance and the bravery displayed on the field. We have set a high standard, and it is up to us to maintain and build upon this level of performance,” Mokwena stated.

Rabale, who scored her 12th goal of the season, praised the unity that runs through the team, “One thing I truly appreciate about our team is our ability to cover each other’s blind spots and ensure that everyone functions effectively. This aspect was evident in our game today, as each player demonstrated a willingness to support and assist their teammates whenever needed. Whether it was providing an extra pass, offering defensive coverage or offering words of encouragement, we all played our part in creating a cohesive and efficient unit on the field. This level of teamwork and mutual support is a testament to the strong bond we have developed as a team.”

In terms of goal-scoring for Sundowns Ladies, Melinda Kgadiete’s hat-trick takes her tally to 12 goals, tying her with Boitumelo Rabale. Chuene Morifi has netted five goals, sharing the same as Andisiwe Mgcoyi and Lelona Daweti. Lebohang Ramalepe has now scored three goals.

Up next for Sundowns Ladies is a clash against relegation-threatened Ma-Indies Ladies on the 10th of June at 15:00.