Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies are back in Hollywoodbets Super League action this Saturday as they square off against the University of Fort Hare in their 19th match of the season.
The Brazilians currently lead the standings with 47 points, having achieved 15 wins from 18 games. They have scored a league-high 74 goals while conceding just 10 times, boasting the league’s best defense.
As Banya Ba Style looks ahead to their next fixture against the newly promoted University of Fort Hare, Boitumelo Rabale believes the team is determined to hit the ground running, despite not having played in three weeks.
“We have been keeping fit, working more on areas where we are lacking and focusing on counter-pressing and counter-attacking. Our goal is to come back strong and continue our winning streak. We understand the importance of maintaining our momentum, especially as we approach the crucial stages of the season.”
Rabale, who leads the Sundowns Ladies’ scoring chart with 11 goals, believes Saturday’s game against the University of Fort Hare will be a stern test that the team cannot take for granted.
“We did not know much about them earlier this season, though we were able to secure a win against them. At that time, they were a closed book to us. But coming into this next game against them, we know more about their strengths and weaknesses. Newly promoted teams usually give their all because they want to prove they deserve to be in the top league. We are prepared for a tough challenge and are focused on executing our game plan effectively.”
Captain Zanele Madonsela also heaped praise on the team’s training sessions during the three-week break.
“It was a period we utilized very well as we fine-tuned strategies for playing against teams that put up a low block and other philosophies. We are not just preparing for the Hollywoodbets Super League, but also for other competitions we will be participating in over the next few months.”
In the fixture against the Eastern Cape side earlier this season, Sundowns Ladies registered a 1-0 victory courtesy of a late penalty from Captain Zanele. She anticipates another tough encounter on Saturday.
“We were severely tested in that game and that is why the last three weeks were instrumental in our preparations. We had enough time to work on our finishing in the final third and Saturday’s game will present an opportunity for us to showcase the improvements we have made. I anticipate that they will deploy another defensive strategy; however, we are better prepared this time around for such tactics.”
The clash between Sundowns Ladies and University of Fort Hare is slated for Saturday, the 27th of July, at the Davidson Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 13:00.
