Nthabiseng Majiya secured her first brace for the reigning Hollywoodbets Super League champions as Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies triumphed over TS Galaxy Queens in an exhilarating eight-goal thriller at the UJ Soweto Campus Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Regina Mogolola, Boitumelo Rabale and Chuene Morifi also found the back of the net in the thrilling 5-3 win.
Despite settling for a 1-1 away draw in the fixture last season, Banyana Ba Style were eager to avoid any surprises and two minutes into the fixture, Mogolola’s strike provided a glimpse of things to come.
Despite the Rockets equalizing five minutes later, the Brazilians regained the lead midway through the first half with a superb strike from Majiya, giving Sundowns Ladies a 2-1 advantage at halftime.
The floodgates opened after the break as the Continental Champions pushed to extend their lead. The breakthrough came in the 59th minute, with Rabale continuing her perfect start to the season with a well-placed finish. A few minutes later, Morifi and Majiya also found the back of the net, handing Masandawana a 5-1 lead.
Two late consolation goals from the home side did little to dampen the mood as Banyana Ba Style emerged victorious in Soweto. Lebogang Ramalepe, who enjoyed a dominant performance on the right-hand side, expressed her excitement with the result.
“It was not an easy game, but we performed well in converting our chances. The objective was to secure maximum points, especially after drawing this game last season away from home. We are pleased to have passed this test and our focus is now on the next one,” Ramalepe said.
Morifi was particularly excited about the performance of the new players who have hit the ground running.
“I am happy with the overall efforts of the team, as well as the huge showing from the new players. Majiya has been a revelation since joining and Cimone Sauls was very confident also when she came on. They have elevated our game and we are excited about their level of professionalism. On an individual note, I am excited to get my first goal of the season and I hope it is the first of many. We will work on our game management to ensure that we protect our leads moving forward,” said the left-footed winger.
After two games, Nthabiseng Majiya’s brace sees her tie Boitumelo Rabale on three goals on the Sundowns Ladies goal-scoring chart. Andisiwe Mgcoyi, Chuene Morifi and Regina Mogolola have all scored once.
Up next for Sundowns Ladies is a clash against the University of Johannesburg Ladies, scheduled for the 16th of March 2024 at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.
Well done ladies!