Bragging rights and three points are up for grabs as Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies square off against TUT Ladies in one of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures in the Hollywoodbets Super League calendar. The Tshwane Derby, which will be played at the TUT Stadium this Saturday, pits two teams with a lot to prove against each other.
The Brazilians, currently sitting at the top of the league table, will be looking to extend their unbeaten start to the season and maintain their position as league leaders. TUT Ladies, on the other hand, will be hoping to cause an upset and secure a much-needed win to move up the standings.
After grinding out a narrow 1-0 victory against the University of Pretoria last time out, Coach Jerry ‘Kappa’ Tshabalala expects an even sterner test against TUT Ladies.
“Preparations have been going well, although we will be missing a few players due to various concerns. Nevertheless, we are excited ahead of the clash against our rivals. We understand that in derbies, current form can be irrelevant, but we are prepared to compete and secure maximum points. We hope that our fans will come out in full force to support us and help us secure the win,” Coach Jerry stated.
Last season, Banyana Ba Style achieved a resounding 5-1 victory in this fixture at home but suffered a shock 1-0 loss in the reverse meeting. Kappa emphasizes that his top priority for the upcoming clash is to secure three points, rather than seeking revenge.
“While last season is now in the past, we remain fully committed to achieving our goals for this new campaign. This includes winning our games and accumulating as many points as possible. Given that we have already dropped two points, victory in the Tshwane Derby is crucial for us to maintain our leadership position. Our focus is on achieving these objectives, and revenge is not an option as it detracts from our bigger picture,” Kappa concluded.
Midfield engine Oratile Mokwena believes her side is in good spirits ahead of the massive clash, “Our preparations for the upcoming game have been excellent, with a strong emphasis on maintaining possession to counter the strength of the TUT Ladies team. We are highly motivated and positive, with everyone determined to put in a good performance in the Tshwane Derby. We are confident in our preparation and look forward to a competitive clash.”
On the importance of clinching a victory in such a big game, Oratile added, “Winning the derby would not only be a major achievement for us as a team but also a source of immense joy and pride for our supporters. Therefore, we are highly motivated and focused on putting in a strong performance to come out on top.”
After their opening six games of the season, TUT Ladies are currently placed eighth on the log with two wins, two draws and two losses. While they have had a mixed start to the campaign, the team has shown resilience and determination in their recent performances which makes Saturday’s clash even more significant.
The mouthwatering battle between Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies and TUT Ladies will take place on Saturday, March 25th, at TUT Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 15h00.
