After winning the Hollywoodbets Super League title on her return to Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, Tiisetso ‘Bastos’ Makhubela is determined to do everything in her power to restore Banyana Ba Style to the pinnacle of continental football in 2023.
Bastos who made a stunning return to Chloorkop earlier this year (March 2022) after spending three years at TUT Ladies was pleased with the giant strides the team had made within a short time.
“Returning to Sundowns Ladies meant so much to me because this is a club with a rich tradition of winning. During my first stint here, there was little I could do because I was young and needed to boost my confidence. The move to TUT Ladies provided that, but I knew that someday, I would be back to complete what I started. When the move was announced, it felt like a homecoming for me. On arriving back at Sundowns Ladies, I noticed a lot of progression and expansion with regard to the technical staff and infrastructural facilities. The club is indeed moving in the right direction and I am pleased to be back where I belong,” Tiisetso said.
Makhubela’s return to Sundowns Ladies saw her complement the likes of Zanele Nhlapho, Bambanani Mbane, Regina Mogolola and Karabo Makhurubetshi in defense. Across 30 games in the Hollywoodbets Super League, Banyana Ba Style conceded just 13 times.
On her favorite moments from this past season, Tiisetso said, “I enjoyed representing Sundowns Ladies at the COSAFA Qualifiers and the CAF Women’s Champions League which are hugely coveted tournaments to play in. Although I have represented the national team on the continental front, doing so for a club side is a dream come true. Getting on the scoresheet (against UJ Ladies) during the Hollywoodbets Super League was also a landmark moment for me.”
The two-time COSAFA Cup winner further expressed her desire to clinch more continental titles, this time with Sundowns Ladies.
“As a seasoned professional, I am very fortunate to have won a couple of trophies with Banyana Banyana. Having tasted continental success with the national team, my desire is to restore Sundowns Ladies to the summit of the CAF Women’s Champions League. Considering the increasing quality of women’s football in Africa, we know that reclaiming the continent’s premier women’s tournament will not be an easy feat. Nevertheless, we understand what is at stake and on a personal level, I will be ready to give everything on the pitch to realize our continental dreams,” Bastos concluded.
Aside from playing in the heart of the defense, Makhubela was also instrumental in fullback roles thanks to her tactical game intelligence and excellent positioning.
Congratulations to Bastos for stamping her authority in the team since her return.
