Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies have taken a decisive step in shaping their squad for the 2026 season with the signings of Wendy Shongwe from University of Pretoria (Tuks) Ladies and Gugu Dhlamini from University of Johannesburg Ladies, as the reigning six-time Hollywoodbets Super League champions prepare for an intense campaign across domestic, regional, and continental competitions.
For Shongwe, joining the Brazilians represents a significant milestone in her career, one rooted in long-standing admiration for the Club and a desire to elevate her game within a high-performance environment.
“It feels extremely exciting to officially join the Masandawana family. I have always admired the Club, so to be considered and trusted with a place in this team is a huge compliment. From the moment the opportunity came up, I saw it as a massive chance for me to grow and develop as a player.”
The forward was particularly drawn to the standards that have made Banyana Ba Style a dominant force in women’s football, noting that the Club’s professionalism and winning culture aligned closely with her own ambitions.
“Sundowns Ladies have a strong track record of success, but beyond that, there is a clear expectation that every player pushes themselves every day. I know being in this environment will challenge me and help me reach another level.”
Confident in what she brings to the squad, Shongwe believes her pace, intensity and team-first mentality will complement an already experienced group, while she is eager to learn from established leaders within the dressing room.
“I am especially excited to play alongside players like Andile Dlamini, Noxolo Cesane, Bambanani Mbane, and Kholosa Biyana because of their experience and quality. For me, success this season would be adapting quickly, making a real impact, helping the team win trophies, performing well in the CAF Women’s Champions League and putting myself back in contention for the national team.”
Gugu Dhlamini, meanwhile, described her move to Chloorkop as the fulfilment of a deeply personal ambition.
“Joining Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies is truly a dream come true. It is a massive Club with a rich history, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity. When I heard about the move, I honestly felt that when the time is right, God really does make things happen.”
Dhlamini pointed to Sundowns’ long-term vision for women’s football and their relentless competitive drive as decisive factors in her decision to sign.
“What attracted me most was the Club’s commitment to developing women’s football and their winning mentality. This is a team that pushes each other to be the best and genuinely invests in players and their talents. That kind of environment is exactly what I want to be part of.”
Dhlamini sees her role as one built on contribution, connection, and collective success, while relishing the chance to share the field with players she has long looked up to.
“I am excited to play with all the experienced players, especially Karabo Dhlamini and Lebohang Ramalepe, who I have admired for a long time because of their professionalism. For me, success would be contributing on the pitch, scoring goals, building lifelong relationships, winning silverware, defending the league title again and ultimately competing for and winning the CAF Women’s Champions League.”
As preparations intensify for a packed 2026 season, the message from the champions is clear, and the signings of Wendy Shongwe and Gugu Dhlamini reflect Sundowns Ladies’ ambition to remain dominant at home while pushing for greater success on the continental stage.
