Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies were held to a 1-1 draw by the University of the Western Cape (UWC) in Cape Town on Sunday, but the match will be remembered for the ongoing resurgence of fit-again striker Refilwe Tholakele, who netted a crucial second-half equalizer to secure a point for the defending Champions. The goal was her second of the season.
After falling behind in the first half, the Brazilians showed composure and determination to claw their way back into the game, with Tholakele providing the decisive moment. Her performance was a major boost for a squad that had just regrouped after a month-long competitive break.
Despite the draw, Banyana Ba Style remain top of the Hollywoodbets Super League standings, having recorded 10 wins and 2 draws from 14 games this season. Defender Thato Letsoso acknowledged the challenges of returning from a long break but commended the team’s fighting spirit and overall performance.
“Overall, I think we had a good game considering the fact that we are coming back from such a long break without competition. It is our first game back, and with a full squad now in training, I believe we will quickly regain our rhythm. We created several chances, but our finishing let us down, something that will improve with more training and match fitness. Still, the effort was there. Everyone gave their best, and that gives me confidence moving forward.”
Forward Nthabiseng Majiya echoed similar sentiments, praising the team’s unity and work rate, even in a difficult match against one of their fiercest rivals.
“It was a tough game, and we knew it would not be easy facing UWC. They pushed us hard, but we stuck together and fought until the final whistle. Although we did not get the three points we wanted, I am proud of the way we worked as a team. The energy, the effort, the commitment—it was all there. We will take the positives from this performance and come back even stronger in the next game.”
Next up, Sundowns Ladies host the University of Pretoria this Wednesday, 6th August, at Lucas Moripe Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 18:00.
