Central Midfielder Chuene Morifi feels that the ‘quality standard’ they conducted their business on the pitch was one of the key reasons behind Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies’ success this season.
The team was nothing short of sublime this campaign as they won every major trophy available to them. They were crowned COSAFA Women’s Champions League winners in September, they then won their second CAF Women’s Champions League title. They went without conceding a goal in that campaign, going on to complete the treble with their Hollywoodbets League title.
“The quality standard of business conducted was one of the key factors that contributed to our triumph this season. The nominations of Tholakele Refilwe and Lebohang Ramalepe for CAF awards, the adaptation of young Malebogo Shawe into the team, and the evident enjoyment of football by Kholosa Biyana at the club are what excited me the most,” Chuene said on sundownsfc.co.za.
Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies were rewarded for their outstanding season, showing yet again that they are the epitome of football excellence. The Pretoria-based team was on the winning end of two big accolades at the HollywoodBets League Awards and they were crowned the Women’s Team of the Year at the CAF Awards for a second year in a row.
“On behalf of Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, we would like to thank everyone, especially CAF, for giving the ladies the opportunity to showcase their talent on the continental level. Also thank you to the management of Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, back at home our chairman really took care of the team and we wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the chairman.”
“All the teams that have played against us have pushed us to be where we are and for the team we competed against in the Champions League like AS FAR and SC Morocco, this (award) is for you too, we thank you,” said coach Jerry Tshabalala on SABC Sport after receiving their latest award.
Back home it was much of the same for the Queens of Africa as Boitumelo Rabale and Morifi were recognised for their outstanding contribution on the field this season.
Lesotho international, Rabale walked away with the Player of the Season gong among the 2023 Hollywoodbets Super League award winners for the second year in a row. She also won the Best Player of the Tournament at the recent CAF Women’s Champions League in Ivory Coast, after her impressive form which saw her score 24 goals across all competition this season.
Rabale shared on sundownsfc.co.za that she is filled with gratitude after he recent win in the Hollywoodbets League Awards and is looking forward to more success in the coming season.
“I am deeply honoured to receive such a prestigious award and I am genuinely delighted to be acknowledged for my hard work. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my teammates for their continuous support, which made my achievements possible. This past season has been exceptional for us and it has positioned us strongly to defend our titles in the upcoming season.”
Morifi, was an important cog in the the Sundowns Ladies machine this season, as the left-footed dynamo was a constant presence in their success. She scored six league goals and netted three in the COSAFA Women’s Champions League tournament, including one in the final against Botswana’s Double Action Ladies. This made her a favourite among supporters, and saw her win the Fans Player of the Season at the Hollywoodbets Awards.
Morifi stated on sundownsfc.co.za that she feels honoured by the recognition but feels her triumph is down to a team effort.
“It is always a great honour to be recognised for the hard work and effort I put in on the field, but I must emphasise that it is truly a team effort. I am immensely grateful for the constant support I receive from my teammates, the dedicated technical staff, and the club’s management.”
2023 Hollywoodbets Super League Award Winners
Player of the Season: Boitumelo Rabale (Sundowns)
Fan’s Player of the Season: Chuene Morifi (Sundowns)
Goalkeeper of the Year: Kaylin Swart (JVW)
Top Goalscorer: Thubelihle Shamashe (UJ)
Coach of The Season: Thinasonke Mbuli (UWC – absent)
Referee of the Season: Hloniphile Msezane
Assistant Referee of the Season: Amogelang Mzisa
Administrator of the Season: Boitumelo Lekalakala (Tuks)
2023 CAF Award Winners
Player of the Year (Women): Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria, Barcelona)
Interclub Player of the Year (Women): Fatima Tagnaout (Morocco, AS FAR)
Coach of the Year (Women): Desiree Ellis (South Africa)
Goalkeeper of the Year (Women): Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria, Paris FC)
Young Player of the Year (Women): Nesryne El Chad (Morocco, Lille)
National Team of the Year (Women): Nigeria
Club of the Year (Women): Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
Photo caption: Chuene Morifi feels that the ‘quality standard’ they conducted their business on the pitch was one of the key reasons behind Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies’ success this season. Photo: Sundowns Ladies on X
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