The King Zwelithini Stadium in the Garden Province will always fondly be remembered by the Yellow Nation Family. The Durban-based stadium was the venue where Sundowns Ladies famously clinched the 2021 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Champions League – COSAFA Qualifiers thanks to a 3-0 win over Zimbabwe’s Black Rhinos Queens on the 4th of September, 2021.
That victory paved the way for the Brazilians who went ahead to clinch the inaugural edition of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Champions League thanks to a dominant 2-0 win over Ghana’s Hasaacas Ladies on the 19th of November 2021.
The King Zwelithini Stadium was built to serve as a training ground for teams during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The multi-purpose stadium was named after the Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu who was the reigning King of the Zulu nation from 1968 to his death.
As The Brazilians return to the scene where they took the first major step towards continental domination, Coach Jerry ‘Kappa’ Tshabalala reflects on how the stadium has become a fortress for his side.
“We will never forget the joy we experienced last year at the King Zwelithini Stadium. It was an afternoon that laid the foundation for our continental domination towards the end of last year. The stadium has brought us happiness and we always call the stadium our home away from home,” Kappa stated.
On Saturday, Sundowns Ladies will be looking to continue their red-hot start to the Hollywoodbets Super League season when they face Durban Ladies at the stadium. The continental champions recorded a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ma-Indies Ladies FC in the season opener, before smashing 11 past Golden Ladies last time out.
Kappa believes his side is ready to extend their perfect start to the campaign on a ground that has brought his team good fortunes in recent times.
“I am very pleased with the way we have begun the season. In the opening game, we were severely tested, but we came through. Our response in the second game was emphatic and we showed everyone what we are capable of doing on the pitch. Durban Ladies must not be taken for granted. Although they narrowly lost their last game against Thunderbirds, they are still a force to be reckoned with,” concluded Coach Tshabalala.
Last season, Sundowns Ladies completed a double over their opponents. The Brazilians beat Durban Ladies 3-1 away from home and registered a 3-0 win on home soil.
Mamelodi Sundowns clash against Durban Ladies on Saturday afternoon at the King Zwelithini Stadium in KwaZulu-Natal. The kick-off time for the fixture is 13h00.
