Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies are back in the country after participating in the Women’s Cup in Kansas City, and their first home assignment was a mouth-watering clash away against the University of Johannesburg, that saw the Hollywoodbets Super League champions secure a slim 1-0 after a tough battle, particularly in the first half that ended goalless, on Saturday, 25 August, 2024.
The Orange Army put out a determined performance, eager to earn a first victory against Sundowns. Still, it wasn’t to be after star player Lebohang Ramalepe scored in the 51st minute at the UJ Soweto Stadium. The victory means Banyana Ba Style has completed the double over UJ, after beating them 2-nil in March.
“The most important thing today was to get the three points because they are a very tough team to play against.”
Defender Regina Mogolola quoted on the Sundowns website
“The first half was very tight, but we were able to get the winner after the break. As a team, we showed great character and resilience to secure the victory,” said Mogolola. “It is always satisfying to keep a clean sheet and our defense deserves a lot of credit for their solid performance. We will look to build on this result and maintain our momentum.”
Sundowns cement their place atop the standings with 56 points after 21 games played, while Nthabeleng “Dunga” Modiko’s side stays in third position with 43 points.
In between is the University of Western Cape, who have 44 points and three games in hand, after they took a brief hiatus from the HBSL to partake in the Cosafa Qualifiers of the CAF Women’s Champions League in Malawi where they beat Gaborone United Ladies to qualify for the next CAF Women’s Champions League.
UJ battle JVW FC on Saturday, and Thinasonke Mbuli’s UWC travel to First Touch Ladies on Sunday, 1st September, in their first game back.
The other game on Sunday was also an intense battle that saw the University of Pretoria win 1-0 against Ntuzuma-based Lindelani Ladies. Thandokazi Maqhinana scored the sole goal of the clash in the 8th minute.
Lindelani Ladies, who have been the team to get three points from, held their own defensively, and created chances but failed to convert, and now they face the danger of relegation, as they linger in 15th position after winning just one game this season.
TUT Matsatsantsa FC was held to a 1-1 draw by Richmond United Ladies. Richmond entertain Thunderbirds Ladies in their next outing.
On Saturday HBSL supporters were also treated to several high-scoring games: TS Galaxy Queens produced a performance that stunned Royal AM with a 3-1 triumph. Promise Selana, who scored the third goal for The Rockets, reflects on the clash. The win will be a confidence-booster ahead of an away trip to Sundowns Ladies at Lucas Moripe Stadium.
“I think my main strength is my team spirit. Communication, not giving up on each other until the last whistle. After the training, we send our players to the stadium, so that they can play their games.”
TS Galaxy Queens Midfielder and Goal-Scorer, Promise Selana
City Lads also produced a comprehensive against Thunderbirds Ladies, winning 4-1. After Kamvelihle Speelman opened the scoring in the fourth minute, Bonolo Thameng (25’), Lutho Magobiyane doubled the advantage (40’) and Sikelelwa Mhlanga wrapped up the sweet victory in the 49th minute. Thunderbirds remain winless in this campaign, and are rooted at the bottom of the log.
At the old Peter Mokoba stadium, First Touch FC Ladies proved to be too good for Durban Ladies FC, producing a 3-1 victory (Linky Twala 27’, Hilda Xaba 77’ and Rennika Khoza 88’).
A brace from Chantelle Esau was enough to see the University of Fort Hare win 3-0 against Copper Belts FC after Kesha Hendricks opened the scoring in the 10th minute.
Main Photo Caption: Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies are back in the country after participating in the Women’s Cup in the USA, and their first home assignment was a mouth-watering clash against the University of Johannesburg, that saw the Hollywoodbets Super League champions secure a slim 1-0 away win after a tough battle on Saturday, 25 August, 2024. Photo: Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies
Photo 2 Caption: TS Galaxy Queens produced a stunning performance against Royal AM with a 3-1 triumph. Photo: Supplied
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