Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies will aim to maintain their flawless start to this year’s CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA qualifiers as they face off against Eswatini’s Young Buffaloes in their second Group B fixture on Saturday.
Banyana Ba Style were in beast mode in their opener against Olympic de Moroni, smashing eight goals past their opponents from Comoros, thanks to a brace from Tiisetso Makhubela and further strikes from Chuene Morifi, Boitumelo Rabale, Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Refilwe Tholakele, Salome Kekana and Miche Minnies.
Young Buffaloes lost their opening fixture 2-1 against Mozambique’s Costa Do Sol. Despite that defeat, Mthandi believes the Eswatini side should not be taken for granted.
“Of course, many people will write them off, but we are not underestimating them at all. We know they possess quality and resilience that cannot be taken for granted. Their strong defensive play makes them a tough opponent and we are fully aware that this game won’t be easy. However, as Coach Jerry said, we are highly motivated to win the regional qualifiers and we will approach every game with determination and focus,” Nonhlanhla stated.
Despite scoring 8 goals in their first game, Thato Letsoso believes the team is eager for more, “I expect the team to maintain the same attitude on Saturday – an attitude of dominance and commitment. The goal is to secure an early lead and maintain it to avoid any disappointments. Defensively, we aim to keep clean sheets. Our main motivation is reaching and winning the CAF Champions League. Failure to win this tournament means we won’t progress to CAF, so that serves as our driving force to reach the next level,” Letsoso said.
The clash between Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies and Eswatini’s Young Buffaloes will take place on Saturday, September 2nd, at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Durban. The kick-off is scheduled for 15:30.