After suffering a shock defeat to the University of the Western Cape (UWC) Ladies in Cape Town last time out, Sundowns Ladies will be gunning to get back to winning ways in the highly anticipated Tshwane Derby this Sunday.
The Brazilians face TUT Ladies Football Club in the headline fixture of the sixth round of the Hollywoodbets Super League.
After dropping points last time against UWC Ladies, Coach Jerry ‘Kappa’ Tshabalala has backed his team to respond and get their title defence back on track.
“We have moved on from the defeat we suffered last time. Of course, TUT Ladies are another formidable opponent, but we are not fazed by the threat they possess. That defeat was a stark reminder of the task we have ahead of the season. We are looking forward to the fixture because we need to remind everyone that we are the continental champions. Our mental strength will be tested against our rivals and we must be ready to showcase our class yet again,” Kappa stated.
The Tshwane Derby delivered 11 goals last season with Banyana Ba Style registering a 4-1 win in the away fixture and sealed a 4-2 win in the reverse clash to earn a superb double over their rivals.
Gabonnelwe Salome Kekana and Tiisetso ‘Bastos’ Makhubela who both joined Sundowns Ladies from TUT Ladies during the transfer window will be keen to feature against their former side.
Kekana who was previously the captain of TUT Ladies is relishing a massive encounter against the team she skippered last season.
“As captain of TUT Ladies, I played several times against Sundowns in the Tshwane Derby. The game will provide me with the opportunity to play against some of my previous friends and teammates. Nevertheless, there will be no pleasantries once the game has begun. We lost our last game and our major objective is to get the job done against TUT Ladies. We are looking to march into the Tshwane Derby with determination and confidence. I believe that we are going to fight as a team, to restore our pride as the reigning champions of the league,” said Kekana.
Kappa’s troops are currently placed second on the log with 12 points after five matches played and have scored a league-high 26 goals. Their opponents meanwhile are placed eighth on the standings with eight points after four games played.
The fixture between Mamelodi Sundowns and TUT Ladies Football Club will take place on Sunday, 22 May, 2022, at the Wits Stadium. The kick-off time for the fixture is 11h30.
Let’s bounce back Girls!!!
