Miche Minnies was the star of the show as Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies registered a comprehensive victory over First Touch Ladies during the latest round of the Hollywoodbets Super League.
The 21-year-old forward scored a treble as The Brazilians sealed their ninth win of the campaign to go four points clear at the top of the table.
Coach Jerry ‘Kappa’ Tshabalala rang several changes to his starting line-up with the likes of Miche Minnies, Boitumelo Rabale and Thembelihle Masibi starting ahead of the likes of Andisiwe Mgcoyi, Melinda Kgadiete and Rhoda Mulaudzi. Botswana’s Sedilame Boseja was also handed a start in goal in place of Andile Dlamini.
The opening ten minutes saw both sides testing their resolve with a couple of good chances going both ways. Sundowns Ladies did make the first move in the 25th minute as Masibi set up Minnies for the game’s opening goal.
First Touch Ladies almost levelled matters immediately but were thwarted by Boseja. The continental champions continued to apply the pressure and were rewarded with a smart finish from Masibi, thus heading into the break with a commanding 2-0 advantage.
After the restart, Kappa’s troops started the game the brighter with Karabo Dhlamini coming close on a couple of occasions. The second-half pressures yielded good dividends as Minnies showed good feet to register her brace.
Coach Jerry made several changes with the experienced guns – Andisiwe Mgcoyi and Rhoda Mulaudzi coming on for Thembelihle Masibi and Chantelle Esau. Both Andisiwe and Rhoda made their marks early on but were denied by the opposing goalkeeper.
Mgcoyi then showed her creative side not long after, setting up Minnes to score her hat-trick with a super strike. Despite the late introductions of Melinda Kgadiete and Nhlanhla Mthandi, Sundowns Ladies had done enough to seal a comprehensive victory over their opponents.
Coach Jerry was full of praise for his much-changed team who delivered a sterling all-round performance.
“We decided to rotate the team heavily to give other players an opportunity to prove their mettle. Our decision paid off because we saw the hunger that was displayed by the starters. I was impressed with our defensive organisation as we kept a deserved clean sheet. By scoring four goals this afternoon, Minnies is showing everyone why we acquired her services. Her runs, confidence and finishing were a joy to behold. She is one of the secret weapons we have in our arsenal,” Kappa stated.
With her hat-trick, Miche Minnies have now scored seven goals this season, three behind leading scorer Mgcoyi. Boitumelo Rabale has scored nine times while Rhoda Mulaudzi has four strikes to her name.
Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies have now bagged 27 points after 10 matches played with nine wins. The Brazilians have scored 46 goals and have conceded seven times and boast of a goal difference of +39.
The Hollywoodbets Super League now goes on a FIFA break and Sundowns Ladies face Coal City Wizards once they return.
