2021 CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA zonal champions, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, are looking to return to glory days in the tournament – but they first have to get past last year’s winners, Green Buffaloes of Zambia.
The two clash in the semi-final on Wednesday, 6 September in a repeat of the 2022 final.
The South Africans are looking in fine form after an unblemished record in the group stages where they scored 16 goals, with none conceded in three matches.
Sundowns Ladies got off to a perfect start in the tournament – beating Olympic de Moroni 8-0, before registering 4-0 victories over Young Buffaloes and Costa do Sol.
Green Buffaloes, who also had near perfect results with two wins and a draw, will be eager to show that last year’s win (6-5 on penalties after a goalless stalemate) over Banyana Ba Style was no fluke.
This will their third meeting in the competition, and their second in the semi-finals. A Melinda Kgadiete strike was enough to give the Brazilians a 1-0 victory in the last four in 2021.
“Obviously, it won’t be an easy game for us, but we will stick with what we have been doing at training and as you saw during the group stage. We learned a lot from last year’s final when we played against them, so I think this year will be a different gameplay. Of course, they will be looking to cause problems for us, but we are fully motivated this time around,” defender Salome Kekana told her club’s Media Department.
“I am extremely pleased with the team’s performance, which demonstrates our strong determination to achieve the goals we have collectively set. We are approaching each game with a focused mindset and taking things step by step. Not conceding holds significant importance for us, as it indicates our strong potential to score more goals and secure good results.”
Her words were echoed by captain and fellow defender Zanele Nhlapho.
“The unfortunate result we endured against them last year serves as a driving force. We anticipate they might adopt a low defensive block, and we are well-prepared this time around because we have numerous attacking players who can unlock defences. The earlier we score against them, the better it will be for us,” said the skipper.
“So far so good, scoring many goals has improved our confidence with each passing day. The spirit and belief within the camp are high and everyone is motivated to achieve victory. When we left Gauteng, we collectively committed to excelling in Durban and we have lived up to that expectation thus far. Coach Jerry (Tshabalala) has played a crucial role in rotating the squad to keep everyone fresh, especially since the games are coming thick and fast. I am extremely pleased with the clean sheets and as a defender, that excites me greatly.”
The South Africans go into this fixture as favourites after scoring an avalanche of goals (16) in the group stages – shared among 10 players.
Leading the pack are forwards Lelona Daweti and Andisiwe Mgcoyi with three strikes each, while Tiisetso Makhubela and Miche Minnies have managed two each.
Chipping in with a goal apiece are Nhlapho, Gabonnelwe Kekana, Chuene Morifi, Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Boitumelo Rabale and Refilwe Tholakele.
“I am pleased with my attacking performance so far because strikers are judged based on the number of goals scored. Most importantly, the team has been converting scoring opportunities, which is a positive development. I can sense the team’s mental readiness to recapture the COSAFA title we lost last year. We all recognize that this is a winner-takes-all tournament, leaving no room for complacency. Coach Jerry Tshabalala has played a crucial role in boosting our morale and we are fully prepared for the upcoming game,” said Mgcoyi.
Sundowns Ladies and Green Buffaloes face off at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Clermont, near Durban.
Kickoff is at 15h30.
Double Action Ladies and Costa do Sol will contest the other semi-final, which commences at 12h00 at the same venue.
By Matlhomola Morake
