After several weeks of recovery and recuperation following an all-conquering season, continental champions Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies are back in training. Several first-team regulars were pictured taking part in Monday’s session alongside a number of youngsters – all of whom will be eager to impress Coach Jerry Tshabalala and his coaching staff over the next few weeks.
The Brazilians enjoyed unprecedented success last season, the most successful year in the club’s illustrious history. The campaign was marked with a stunning treble which was decorated with several incredible goal-scoring milestones and mind-boggling statistics. It was a season where Banyana Ba Style rewrote the record books and played a brand of football rarely before seen in South Africa and even during the CAF Women’s Champions League.
Thanks to a rich blend of ultra-attacking high-possession style of football coupled with a well-oiled backline that abhors shipping in goals, the Chloorkop side has become the toast of the continent. This was highlighted by Head of Methodology and Academy, Coach Shawn Bishop, who briefed the team on the opening day of training.
“We are happy to welcome you back and I believe it is going to be a fantastic year for us. You have raised the standards incredibly and I believe you can continue to grow from strength to strength. Thanks to your commitment and dedication, the levels at this club have been elevated. Due to the results we have attained, we have become a dream destination for several top players on the continent and beyond. They are fully aware of the professionalism of the club and the players,” stated Coach Shawn.
Coach Tshabalala who cemented his name in the pantheon of great African coaches when he guided Sundowns to glory in the continent’s premier women’s tournament last year, believes his troops can achieve much more in the upcoming season.
“We have to work on our mindset as we begin the process of planning for the new season. This year, we must fight for the team and focus more on improving our craft. This is because, there are so many teams who are watching us at the moment, and hence, we must triple our efforts. To achieve more success, we have to work harder in training and increase our intensity to dominate games even in tight situations. We conquered the Hollywoodbets Super League and the CAF Women’s Champions League and we can do it again. If we believe and work very hard, we can achieve it yet again,” declared Kappa.
Overall, Sundowns Ladies played 36 games during their treble-conquering campaign (Hollywoodbets Super League, COSAFA CAF Women’s Champions League qualifiers and the CAF Women’s Champions League in Egypt). The Brazilians scored 113 goals and kept 21 clean sheets.
Masandawana will be hoping to replicate that incredible feat in the upcoming season and even achieve much more. However, for now, it is time to put in the hard yards as the pre-season program gets underway.
A big welcome back to our incredible Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies!!!
