Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies will aim to maintain their perfect start to the Hollywoodbets Super League season as they square off against newly promoted Copperbelts Ladies at the Tsakane Stadium in a crucial Sunday clash.
The Brazilians have started the campaign in the best possible way, winning three games in a row, which has further boosted their confidence ahead of the fourth round of fixtures. Those three straight wins have seen Banyana Ba Style shoot to the top of the log and remain the only team with a perfect record thus far, a record which excites Karabo Dhlamini.
“To be honest, I’m thrilled that we’ve been able to secure 9 points in our first three games, especially given the obstacles we’ve had to overcome. This early success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone on the team, and I’m confident that we can carry this momentum forward by remaining disciplined and focused on our goals. As we move forward, we need to maintain a strong work ethic and continually strive for improvement. The season is long, and we’ll undoubtedly face challenges along the way, but with perseverance and determination, we can achieve great things,” said the defender.
Sundowns Ladies enjoyed playing against newly promoted teams last season. They registered a 2-0 away and a 4-0 home victory against Vasco da Gama Ladies. City Lads Ladies were also defeated with relative ease, thanks to an 8-0 home win and a clinical 3-0 away victory.
Despite those impressive outings, Karabo insists the reigning champions cannot take anything for granted, “Playing against newly promoted teams always presents a challenge because we don’t know what to expect. We have to be prepared for whatever they bring to the table, as they often give their all and leave nothing behind, making the game interesting and competitive. We plan to approach each game with a focused and determined mindset.”
Lerato Kgasago also believes that the Limpopo-based side will be a formidable threat, “I anticipate a highly competitive match against Copperbelts Ladies, as they are known for their physical style of play. They will undoubtedly present a formidable challenge, and we need to be prepared for a tough encounter. To come out on top, we need to match their intensity and stay focused on our game plan. We need to play to our strengths, maintain a high level of concentration and avoid making costly mistakes.”
Copperbelts Ladies emerged as the Sasol League National champions last year en route to gaining promotion to the Hollywoodbets Super League. After kicking off their current season with a 2-1 win against the University of Pretoria, they lost the following two games and are currently placed 11th on the log.
The match between Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies and Copperbelts Ladies will take place on Sunday, March 5th, at the Tsakane Stadium. The kick-off time for the match is 11h30 and will be televised on SABC Sport.