Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies inched even closer to the Hollywoodbets Super League title after a 1–0 victory over Copperbelt Ladies at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday. The Brazilians dominated proceedings from start to finish, but it took patience, persistence and a moment of real quality to eventually unlock the visitors’ stubborn defensive structure.
Copperbelt arrived with a clear and disciplined plan, sitting in a compact low block that denied Sundowns space in dangerous areas. Despite enjoying the majority of possession, Banyana Ba Style were forced to circulate the ball with patience, probing for openings and stretching the opposition’s defensive shape.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 75th minute after a beautifully constructed move down the right flank. Munashe Mugwara delivered a superb curling cross and Refilwe Tholakele met it with a sweet glancing header to give Sundowns Ladies the decisive lead — and ultimately, the three fully deserved points. The goal extended Tholakele’s incredible scoring streak to seven matches in a row.
Midfielder Nonhlanhla Mthandi praised the team’s maturity in a match that required tactical discipline.
“Our team was very good today. Copperbelt sat in a very deep low block, which meant we had to be patient, disciplined and intelligent in our build-up play. We kept circulating the ball with purpose, trying to pull them out of shape and waiting for the right moment to break through. When it finally came, the execution was perfect. Moments like that show the quality we have in this team. We are excited with all three points and even happier to walk away with a clean sheet because it reflects our collective focus and hard work.”
Defender Karabo Dhlamini highlighted the importance of staying sharp at the back, noting that disciplined defending was key to securing the victory.
“They gave us a really good game and have always been a tough side to face. Matches like this really test your concentration because one slip in a tight contest can cost you. But we stayed focused from the first whistle, communicated well and handled every situation they threw at us. Defensively, everyone played their part and that discipline made a big difference. Getting the job done and securing the win feels good, but keeping a clean sheet feels even better.”
With this result, the Brazilians have taken another significant step toward securing the league title. They now boast 23 wins in 27 games, with an impressive 77 goals scored and only seven conceded, showcasing remarkable consistency throughout the season.
In terms of the Sundowns goal scoring, Refilwe Tholakele leads the charts with 14 goals, followed closely by Boitumelo Rabale on 11, while both Isabella Ludwig and Nthabiseng Majiya have contributed 10 goals each. Melinda Kgadiete has added 8, with Noxolo Cesane on 7 andNonhlanhla Mthandi on 6. Further contributions have come from Lelona Daweti with 3 goals, Munashe Mugwara with 2 and single strikes from Lehlogonolo Mashigo, Tiisetso Makhubela, Bambanani Mbane, Katleho Malebana and Kholosa Biyana. The team has also benefited from two own goals.
Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies will next host City Lads on Wednesday at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, where a victory will all but seal a sixth straight Hollywoodbets Super League title. Kick-off is at 15h00.
