Five key takeaways from our 3-0 win over Durban Ladies
Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies continued their winning ways in the Hollywoodbets Super League with a flawless 3-0 win over Durban Ladies. The Brazilians enjoyed a dominant first half where they scored three times thanks to a brace from Andisiwe Mgcoyi and another from Lelona Daweti. In the second half, Banyana Ba Style was unable to add to their tally in a game where Masandawana showed clinical finishing and robust defending. Here are five key takeaways from the well-earned victory over the visitors.
More goals for the reigning champions
Three further goals against Durban Ladies took Banyana Ba Style’s goal tally for the season to 70 strikes. Those figures mean The Brazilians have the most potent attacking force in the Hollywoodbets Super League and are currently averaging over 3.5 goals per game this season. The reason the Chloorkop side has scored so many goals is not merely because they take the most shots in the league, but because they create so many chances for the strikers in good areas. Coach Jerry Tshabalala has constantly called on his troops to work the ball into high-percentage shooting positions, and that is evidenced by the regularity with which the Brazilians break ultra-defensive and deep-lying opponents. If they continue to average this number of goals per match then they are well on course to smash the 82 goals scored last season!
Masterful Mgcoyi continues to deliver
It has become one of the most familiar sights in this season’s Hollywoodbets Super League: Andisiwe Mgcoyi wheeling away in celebration after netting yet another goal for Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies. One of Mgcoyi’s greatest strengths is her uncanny ability to find herself in the right place and at the right time. Whenever, The Brazilians launch an attack, Mgcoyi’s exceptional positioning and spatial awareness mean that she is often perfectly placed to take her chances with aplomb. A natural goal-banger with a flair for improvisation, Mgcoyi will be a firm favorite for the golden boot award this season having scored 18 times this term.
Stoic defensive displays
By keeping a clean sheet against Durban Ladies, The Brazilians defensive numbers make for good reading. After 20 games played this season, Sundowns Ladies have conceded only nine goals. NINE. While the team has been ruthless, rampant and merciless in front of goal, the team has shown defensive sturdiness for a majority of the season. In the absence of Andile Dlamini, Asa Rabalao and Nthabiseng Matshaba have thrived. Much of this improvement has been referenced to the team’s goalkeeping department led by Coach Koketso Tshabalala. His influence on the team has been evident and the goalkeepers have constantly showcased their timely interventions and miraculous stops. To put that into context, Rabalo earned several standing ovations from around the Seshego Stadium thanks to her reflexes during the recent game against First Touch Ladies.
Coach Agnes shows tactical nous yet again
Against Durban Ladies, Coach Agnes Nkosi was handed the reins of overseeing the team at the Giant Stadium. After proving her credentials at the inaugural 2021 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Champions League – COSAFA Qualifiers which the team won under her guidance, Coach Nkosi continues to demonstrate her tactical capabilities when presented the opportunity. “Today’s game was a very challenging one. We expected them to attack us, but they adopted a more conservative approach by playing defensively and matching us stride for stride. Nevertheless, we were able to readjust our structure to negate their tactical setup. I am glad we were able to score those early goals. Credit must go to the team for a solid outing and this game would enable us to prepare well for the CAF Women’s Champions League,” said Coach Nkosi after the game against Durban Ladies.
Perfect preparation for CAF Women’s Champions League
Since scoring seven past Tsunami Queens, Sundowns Ladies have faced opponents with ultra-defensive set-ups to keep The Brazilians at bay. While Banyana Ba Style has always found a way to nullify the deep-lying teams, such games have played a critical role in preparing the Chloorkop side for the upcoming CAF Women’s Champions League. With the Brazilians set to represent the Southern African region in the maiden edition of the continental showpiece, playing against defensively robust teams further improves the steely determination of the team. As Coach Tshbalala’s troops prepare to come up against some of the finest women’s teams across Africa, playing against teams with different tactical styles acts as a perfect dress rehearsal for the Women’s CAF Champions League.
The 3-0 win against Durban Ladies means the peerless Brazilians are still in the hunt to finish the season with an unbeaten league record.
