Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies edged the University of Cape Town 1–0 in a keenly contested Hollywoodbets Super League clash at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday. The decisive moment came in the 44th minute, when Refilwe Tholakele calmly slotted past the UCT goalkeeper to seal all three points for the reigning Champions.
The Brazilians controlled much of the game with their trademark passing rhythm and attacking flair, while the defense once again held firm to record another clean sheet. UCT put up a spirited fight, but the visitors could not find a breakthrough against a well-organized Masandawana side.
Defender Tiisetso Makhubela, who played a commanding role in shutting down UCT’s attacking threats, reflected on the result and its significance for the team:
“Every game we play, especially at this stage of the season, is about building momentum and sharpening our mentality. Today was not an easy game at all, as our opponents were determined to disrupt our flow and test us in key moments. But what gives me confidence is the way we responded. Defensively, we stayed compact, disciplined, and communicated well as a unit. I am proud of how we fought for every ball. As defenders, keeping another clean sheet boosts our confidence because we know our attackers will always create chances. It shows that we are all committed to the same goal, which is to be consistent winners and to keep raising the standard ahead of the big challenges that lie ahead.”
With this victory, Banyana Ba Style consolidated their position at the top of the Hollywoodbets Super League table, recording 13 wins and 2 draws from 17 matches played so far this season. Tholakele’s decisive strike not only secured the win but also took her tally to three goals for the campaign. The Brazilians’ attack continues to be led by Boitumelo Rabale with 10 goals, followed by Melinda Kgadiete on seven and Nthabiseng Majiya with five. Isabella Ludwig and Nonhlanhla Mthandi have each scored four times. Noxolo Cesane has contributed two, with Lehlogonolo Mashigo, Tiisetso Makhubela, Bambanani Mbane, and Katleho Malebana all adding one apiece.
Sundowns Ladies will now turn their attention to the CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA Qualifiers, which will be played in Johannesburg, South Africa, from August 22–31. This year’s edition will feature a record 10 teams, and Sundowns will once again enter as the team to beat, having lifted the regional title in 2021 and 2023.
The Brazilians have been drawn in Group A, alongside Ntopwa FC (Malawi), Beauties FC (Namibia) and Zesco Ndola Girls (Zambia). Both Beauties FC and Zesco Ndola Girls will be making their first-ever appearances at this stage.
Group B will see last year’s finalists, Gaborone United Ladies FC (Botswana), face Young Buffaloes (Eswatini) and Kick4Life (Lesotho). At the same time, Group C is headlined by seeded side Herentals Queens (Zimbabwe), who will battle CD Costa do Sol (Mozambique) and Olympic de Moroni (Comoros).
