Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies faced a spirited JVW FC side in a tightly contested 2025 Hollywoodbets Super League fixture at the UJ Soweto Stadium on Sunday, ultimately falling short in a 2–1 defeat. Despite the result, the reigning champions showcased resilience and fighting spirit, particularly in the second half of the match.
The lone goal for the Brazilians came in the 41st minute, courtesy of in-form attacker Melinda Kgadiete, who found the back of the net with her usual composure and precision. However, JVW’s early intensity and clinical finishing proved decisive on the day.
Reflecting on the game, experienced defender Lebohang Ramalepe acknowledged the challenge posed by the opposition and highlighted the positives from the team’s performance:
“It was a tough one. Games against JVW are never easy—they always come with energy, structure, and determination. It was pound for pound, and they made us work for every ball. Maybe if we had pushed ourselves even harder in the opening 30 minutes, the momentum could have shifted our way earlier. But credit to the team, we stayed in the fight.”
Ramalepe also praised her teammates for their second-half response and stressed the importance of taking lessons from the encounter moving forward:
“We did well in the second half—our energy levels were up and we started to win more battles in midfield. We created more chances, and you could see our transitions improving. It is just about converting those moments into goals. It is one game, and we take the lessons. We will bounce back stronger because this team does not fold easily—we rise together.”
The Brazilians’ attacking strength this season has been highlighted by contributions across the squad. Boitumelo Rabale leads the scoring chart with 9 goals, followed by Nthabiseng Majiya and Melinda Kgadiete with 5 each. Isabella Ludwig and Nonhlanhla Mthandi have chipped in with 4 goals apiece, while Lehlogonolo Mashigo, Refilwe Tholakele, Tiisetso Makhubela, Bambanani Mbane, and Katleho Malebana have each scored a goal.
