A wounded Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies has issued a stern warning to TUT ahead of their meeting on Sunday, 22 May 2022 in the Hollywoodbets Super League.
The two giants collide in the first Tshwane Derby of the 2022 at the Wits Stadium with an early kick off of 11h30.
The Brazilians are still licking their wounds after being stunned into submission by the University of the Western Cape (UWC) in their last league fixture.
Former TUT captain Gabonnelwe Salome Kekana as well Tiisetso Baston Makhubela crossed the floor during the off-season and joined their across-town neighbours.
But before the move, they suffered defeat at the hands of Banyana Ba Style over two legs last season – 4-1 and 4-2.
Now have a chance to taste victory in the Tshwane derby.
“As captain of TUT Ladies, I played several times against Sundowns in the Tshwane Derby. The game will provide me with the opportunity to play against some of my previous friends and teammates. Nevertheless, there will be no pleasantries once the game has begun. We lost our last game and our major objective is to get the job done against TUT Ladies. We are looking to march into the Tshwane Derby with determination and confidence. I believe that we are going to fight as a team, to restore our pride as the reigning champions of the league,” said Kekana on the club’s website.
The loss has clearly stirred emotions in the Brazilians camp and they want to use the TUT clash to return to the winners’ circle, and continue with the defence of their title.
“We have moved on from the defeat we suffered last time. Of course, TUT Ladies are another formidable opponent, but we are not fazed by the threat they possess. That defeat was a stark reminder of the task we have ahead of the season. We are looking forward to the fixture because we need to remind everyone that we are the continental champions. Our mental strength will be tested against our rivals and we must be ready to showcase our class yet again,” said head coach Jerry Tshabalala.
After five outings, the Brazilians lie in second place with 12 points – three behind log leaders JVW FC – who will be in action against UWC at 15h00 as part of the Super Sunday Hollywoodbets Super League double header at the Wits Stadium.
TUT is in eighth position on 8 points, with a game in hand.
By Matlhomola Morake
