‘If we invest in women’s football, we will reap the rewards’ … This is the view of Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies coach Jerry Tshabalala after his team won their second CAF Champions League title on Sunday, 19 November 2023.
“Women’s football is growing in leaps and bounds and if we invest, we will reap the rewards. It is a testament to the talent and dedication of these players that they have achieved so much.”
Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies Coach, Jerry Tshabalala
Sundowns Ladies overpowered Morocco’s Sporting Club Casablanca 3-0 at Stade Amadou Gon Coulibaly in Korhogo, Cote d’Ivoire, to win a second Champions League title in three seasons.
Beloved by a massive home basis and supported through their CAF League campaign by a fervent Ivorian crowd, the popular ‘Banyana Ba Style’ have set the pace not only in South Africa but also in women’s football across the continent.
Their Champions League win wasn’t their only triumph this year, they also won the Cosafa Women’s Champions League back in September.
Sundowns Ladies are currently second on the Hollywoodsbets Super League table.
Speaking on sundownsfc.com Tshabalala says women’s soccer has more than proven that it is growing around the continent, which shows just why it should be invested in.
“But for the sport to continue thriving, we must allocate more resources, provide better facilities and create more opportunities for women and girls who aspire to excel in football. This victory is just the beginning, and with the right support, African women’s football can reach even greater heights.”
Meanwhile, the Pretoria-based side went though the entire competition without losing a match or conceding a goal, a rare feat when considering the quality of the attacks Sundowns faced in their second road to African glory.
Sundowns players won all the top individual awards, with Boitumelo Rabale earning Player of the Tournament, Andile Dlamini named Goalkeeper of the Tournament, and Refilwe Tholakele securing the golden boot with her five goals.
“The awards represent so much; it means that the hard work that the team has put in has been rewarded. It is only through determination that we have won them,” said coach Tshabalala.
“Kudos to everyone within the technical team for a job well done. The awards are an appreciation of top performance and we are excited about them.”
Photo caption: ‘If we invest in women’s football, we will reap the rewards’ … This is the view of Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies coach Jerry Tshabalala after his team won their second CAF Champions League title on Sunday, 19 November 2023. Photo: CAF Women on X
(0 rating, 0 votes, rated)
Loading...
