Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies are preparing to face Zesco Ndola Girls of Zambia in the semi-finals of the 2025 COSAFA CAF Women’s Champions League Qualifiers. This will be the second encounter between the two sides after their Group A clash, where Banyana Ba Style secured a 1–0 victory thanks to a first-half strike from Boitumelo Rabale.
Midfielder Noxolo Cesane shared her perspective on the team’s approach to training and preparation, emphasizing the importance of applying lessons from practice onto the field.
“Firstly, we all have one goal, which is to make sure that in every training session we implement what we have been taught by the coaches. How we train is how we will play on the field, and we take every game as if it is our final game. The lessons we have learned so far are clear: every game is going to be a different challenge and we must never underestimate any opposition. At the same time, we trust in executing all the work we do in training, keeping our focus on the goal we all share as a team.”
Cesane also reflected on the bigger picture and the significance of reaching the final for both the team and women’s football in the country.
“Reaching the finals would mean everything for us. It would be the achievement of a short-term goal during this tournament and a reflection of all the hard work and dedication we have put in. It also gives us the courage and motivation to become champions once again. Every session on the training ground, every tactical adjustment and every effort we make on the pitch is designed to push us closer to that ultimate objective.”
Meanwhile, midfielder Khutso Pila highlighted the squad’s focus on consistency and converting opportunities in high-pressure knockout games.
“We are taking each game one at a time. We do not undermine any team, and we continue to focus on ourselves and our style of play. One key lesson we have learned is that we must convert the chances we create. Finishing effectively puts pressure on us in a positive way and ensures that we dictate the flow of the game rather than leaving it to chance.”
The match between Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies and Zesco Ndola Girls is scheduled for Friday, 29th August 2025, at 15:00, and will be played at the AW Muller Stadium in Johannesburg.
