Continental champions Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies have learned their opponents at the Hollywoodbets COSAFA Women’s Champions League 2022 zonal qualifier to be held in Durban from August 7-13, 2022.
The current treble-winners have been drawn in Group A and will face debutants Costa Do Sol of Mozambique and last season’s semifinalists Double Action Ladies from Botswana in a mouthwatering line-up.
Group B will see last season’s semifinalists Green Buffaloes of Zambia go up against debutants – Young Buffaloes from Eswatini and Olympique De Moroni of Comoros.
The winner of each pool will advance to the final, with the second-placed teams squaring off in a bronze-medal clash.
Coach Jerry ‘Kappa’ Tshabalala reacted to the outcome of the draw and highlighted the unpredictability of Group A.
“This is a very tricky draw for us because we find ourselves in a group that has a debutant from Mozambique. We have never had a chance to assess their strengths and they will be our opponents in the first game. We have to rely on our strengths as a team because we believe in our philosophy and playing style that has earned us great success over the years,” Kappa stated.
Despite recording a dominant 6-0 win over Double Action Ladies in last year’s group stage qualifiers, Coach Tshabalala is not eyeing an easy victory this time around.
“Yes, we came out on top last year against our opponents, but they may have changed a number of their personnel and players. I believe they have bolstered their team and I expect a different squad this time around. We are not going to be complacent because we plan to work hard and treat each game as a final. Defending our titles is the priority and we are ready for it,” Kappa concluded.
Sundowns Vice-captain Karabo Makhurubetshi believes her side is capable of showing their class yet again, despite the tricky nature of the opposition.
“I don’t believe that the tournament will be an easy one considering that the top two teams are the ones who will advance to the finals. There is no room for complacency; hence dropping points is not an option. We have raised the bar and we cannot afford to drop the ball at the competition. Our goal this season is to defend our trophies,” the Vice-captain declared.
The winner of the COSAFA zonal qualifier will advance to the 2022 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Champions League finals to be held in Morocco later in the year.
Full Draw
Group A
Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
Costa Do Sol (Mozambique)
Double Action Ladies (Botswana)
Group B
Green Buffaloes (Zambia)
Young Buffaloes (Eswatini)
Olympique de Moroni (Comoros)
