After registering a hard-fought 1-0 win over the University of the Western Cape at Vasco Da Gama Stadium last time out, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies will be aiming to continue their incredible defense of the Hollywoodbets Super League title as they square off against Richmond United on Wednesday. The Brazilians delivered a five-star performance when both teams clashed earlier this season with the game ending 5-1 in favor of the Chloorkop side.
It’s been a ‘Sweet November’ for the treble winners who have continued to master the art of winning even in tough situations. It was a month that further underscored the ability of Banyana Ba Style to pull through while under pressure. This was evident at the inaugural edition of the CAF Women’s Champions League in Egypt where this winning mentality became a strong difference-maker when The Brazilians went toe-to-toe against some of the finest Women’s sides on the continent.
Since Sundowns Ladies conquered the field in Cairo, they have barely rested. A 2012 study by leading Dutch coach Raymond Verheijen pointed out that teams with two days of preparation were 40% less likely to win their next match than a team with three days to get ready. It is fair to say that assumption holds no water within the camp of the continental champions. Since Sundowns Ladies defeated Ghana’s Hasaacas Ladies in the final showdown at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo, they have won every game. Remarkably, The Brazilians have played seven games across all competitions in the month of November, which is a cool average of around one game every four days! Incredibly, Banyana Ba Style has conceded just once during the month under review (against JVW FC in the Hollywoodbets Super League).
As the treble winners prepare to face Richmond United in a highly anticipated clash on Wednesday, Coach Jerry Tshabalala believes his team is capable of stopping the threats of the Richmond side.
“The game against Richmond will be a very tricky encounter because they are a very youthful and industrious side. One exciting aspect of their game is the ability to be very effective with and without the ball. Their energy levels are one of the best in the league and that is an area we will need to show our character. Although we defeated them in the first leg, it was far from an easy game because they are a very tactical and technical side. This game would give us a very good indication of where we are in terms of our ability to break down teams with fast carriers of the ball,” noted Coach Tshabalala.
Although Richmond United is placed 10th on the standings, their numbers are quite inspiring. They have scored an impressive 39 goals this season; only the top five teams have scored more goals. They also possess an attacking threat in Nthabiseng Majiya who has scored 20 goals this season, making her the second-highest goal scorer in the league at the moment.
“It is no surprise that their striker Nthabiseng Majiya is one of the top scorers of the Hollywoodbets Super League this season. They are a free-scoring team and their home records are quite impressive against some of the top teams in the league. They are a brave outfit and they are very good on the counter. Therefore, we need to be very vigilant throughout the game,” concluded the highly experienced gaffer.
Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies square off against Richmond United on Wednesday afternoon, at the Merino Park, De Aar in the Northern Cape. The kick-off time for the fixture is at 15h00.
