Mamelodi Sundowns ready to battle for regional crown
Mamelodi Sundowns head into the CAF Women’s Champions League | COSAFA Qualifiers full of confidence and energy as they look to claim a third regional title and match on to the continental finals.
They will compete in Group A at the August 22-31 regional tournament that will be played in Johannesburg, along with debutantes Beauties FC from Namibia and Zambia’s Zesco Ndola Girls, as well as Ntopwa United from Malawi.
Sundowns have never lost a game outright in the regional qualifiers, and made the final in every event they have played in, though they were pipped on post-match penalties in the 2022 decider by Green Buffaloes from Zambia.
They go into the competition in form following a 1-0 win over the University of Cape Town this past weekend, as eyes turn to the qualifiers.
“Winning is always such a confidence booster, everyone is performing at their peak and there is so much excitement in the camp, especially as we build up to COSAFA,” defender Thato Letsoso told the club’s website.
“The energy in training is unbelievable as every player is pushing hard and raising the standard. We are in a good place mentally and physically, and that is exactly what you want before a big tournament.”
Tiisetso Makhubela agrees.
“Every game we play, especially at this stage of the season, is about building momentum and sharpening our mentality,” she says. “Today (against UCT) was not an easy game at all, as our opponents were determined to disrupt our flow and test us in key moments.
“But what gives me confidence is the way we responded. Defensively, we stayed compact, disciplined, and communicated well as a unit. I am proud of how we fought for every ball.
“As defenders, keeping another clean sheet boosts our confidence because we know our attackers will always create chances. It shows that we are all committed to the same goal, which is to be consistent winners and to keep raising the standard ahead of the big challenges that lie ahead.”
The Brazilians’ attack has been firing on all cylinders this season. Lesotho international Boitumelo Rabale has 10 goals, followed by Melinda Kgadiete on 7 and Nthabiseng Majiya with 5. Isabella Ludwig and Nonhlanhla Mthandi have each netted 4 times.
