Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies team played in the first Tshwane Derby of the year in the National Women’s league on Sunday against the neighbours Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). The ladies were marvelous to watch as they put four goals in their opponents net continuing their run of victories in the league.
Coach Jerry Tshabalala was overwhelmed with excitement over the triumph of their biggest rivals and said: “I have to be excited, I have to thank the girls, they played well.”
TUT is known for playing with a number nine in front of defenders, however, a surprise was thrown in the derby that Coach Jerry had to adapt his players to on the day. “I wasn’t expecting them to come at us with three strikers, I thought that maybe they would sit at the back but as soon as they started playing with three strikers up front I knew that their defence was very, very sloppy.” said Coach Jerry.
“If you could see most of the goals, the first three goals were scored by playing the balls behind their defence which really worked for us, the pace of Lelona Daweti upfront made a difference.” concluded the winning coach.
Chuene Morifi was marvellous in attack for Masandawana as she worked up and down the wing challenging TUT defenders who eventually were unable to keep up with her speed. It is no surprise that Morifi was crowned The Lady Of The Match, she excitedly expressed herself on her thrilling performance: “I am happy with my performance, first and foremost because I got a goal that the coach has been preaching about. He’s been telling me that I need to start scoring because all this time I’ve been creating chances. He always says that if I can take those chances and score for myself, I will potentially become the leading scorer of the league.”
The final score in the National Women’s league match between the two clubs this past weekend was 4-1, with goals scored by Chuene Morifi, Melinda Kgadieta and a brace by Lelona Daweti.
Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies next game is against Thunderbirds Ladies on Saturday 22 May at Groenkloof Stadium, Kick-off is 15:00.
