After sealing a second successive Hollywoodbets Super League title, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies will be looking to extend their advantage at the summit of the standings when they face a resolute University of the Western Cape side at Vasco Da Gama Stadium this Sunday. The continental champions were crowned league winners last time out after a hard-fought 2-1 win over JVW FC at the Groenkloof Stadium.
Sundowns opponents, the University of Western Cape have enjoyed a relatively solid season. They are placed fourth on the Super League table and have lost just twice all season. Notably, they possess the second-best defense this campaign with just fourteen goals conceded, with only The Brazilians possessing a meaner backline with twelve shipped in. Both teams met earlier this season with Sundowns Ladies registering a narrow 1-0 win. Despite their strong performance this term, Coach Jerry Tshabalala believes his side is capable of getting the job done.
“Our opponents are a very tough nut to crack. We have studied their tactical styles and they are quite innovative in their approach. They have a very good crop of talented players and the way they apply themselves to the game is very impressive. They also have a sound coach and I believe they will be gunning to become the first team to inflict an on-pitch defeat on us. Nevertheless, we will stick to our beliefs and approaches because our methods have been very effective and efficient. We are not going to be complacent and I believe we are adequately prepared to get the job done,” stated Coach Tshabalala.
It has been a long season for the continental champions having gone the distance at the COSAFA qualifiers for the CAF Champions League as well as facing some of the very best Ladies’ teams across the continent in Cairo, Egypt. Having made a plethora of changes against JVW FC at the last time out, Coach Tshabalala has promised to ring in the changes against the Cape Town-based outfit.
“It has been a very long season which has seen us compete and dominate across multiple fronts. We made a few changes last time out and I was impressed with the performance of those who came in. We are going to be doing the same against the University of the Western Cape so that we can keep everyone involved as well as give some valuable playing time to the youngsters within our ranks. I am looking forward to what these players will offer because the hunger to succeed within the team is admirable. It promises to be an exciting game and we are ready to express ourselves on the pitch like we always do,” concluded the highly experienced coach.
The Brazilians have enjoyed complete dominance in the Hollywoodbets Super League this campaign. After 23 games played, Sundowns Ladies have racked up an impressive 21 wins, with just one draw and one defeat (boardroom decision), scoring 74 goals and conceding just 12. Banyana Ba Style is also 8 goals away from equalling last season’s tally of 82 strikes!
Mamelodi Sundowns square off against the University of the Western Cape on Sunday afternoon, at Vasco Da Gama Stadium. The kick-off time for the fixture is at 15h00.
