Dubbed the ‘match of the weekend’ and in some quarters, the ‘clash of the titans’, the Hollywoodbets Super League fixture between reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies and the University of the Western Cape lived up to expectations at the UWC Stadium in Cape Town on Sunday, 22 October 2023.
UWC 0 – 1 Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies
The visitors dominated and secured a 1-0 victory thanks to a Refilwe Tholakele’s 19th minute strike to help the Brazilians return to the summit of the table – albeit on goal difference of +69.
Both sides have now played 25 matches, level on 66 points – but Sundowns Ladies have scored a massive 84, compared to UWC’s 59.
The Brazilians are on a five-match winning streak – all in October – 6-0, 6-0, 6-1, 11-0 and 1-0.
The latest win showed their continued dominance over the students since the 2019/20 season, with Banyana ba Style winning seven of the eight clashes, and only one draw.
UWC vs SUNDOWNS OVERALL RESULTS:
6 October 2019
3-0 (Sundowns)
11 Feb 2022
2-0 (Sundowns)
9 May 2021
- (Sundowns)
28 November 2021
- (Sundowns)
15 May 2022
2-0 (Sundowns)
18 September 2022
1-1
14 May 2023
3-0 (Sundowns)
22 October 2023
1-0 (Sundowns)
“It was not an easy game and we had to push ourselves because we knew what three points meant in this match. We showed great character throughout the game and all credit goes to the team for a job well done. Overall, we are going home with three points and we are not settling for this. We aim to continue pushing because we have a clear objective of building on our momentum,” defender Lebohang Ramalepe told her club’s Media Department.
Her sentiments were echoed by midfielder Kholosa Biyana, who recently joined Sundowns Ladies from UWC.
“Honestly, it was an emotional game for me because it was the first time I returned as an opponent. It was emotional at the start, but I grew into the game and fought hard for Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies. These are important points for us and I enjoyed the game. It was a great test for us and we passed it impressively. This win today will give us confidence ahead of the CAF Women’s Champions League. We need to keep ourselves refreshed and I am glad that as a team, we fought as a unit,” added Biyana.
This was UWC’s first loss since suffering a 3-0 defeat to the Brazilians in May this year.
Durban Ladies 1 – 3 TS Galaxy Queens
Fourth-placed TS Galaxy Queens travelled to Princess Magogo Stadium and returned with all three points after beating Durban Ladies 3-1.
The Mpumalanga outfit, who are new to the Hollywoodbets Super League, have 51 points – two behind third-placed JVW who were not in action this weekend.
They still have a chance to finish third, but face stiff challenge from JVW and Royal AM, who are third and fifth currently, on 53 points and 49 respectively.
Royal AM 1 – 1 City Lads Ladies
In their quest to climb as high as possible this season, Royal AM dropped valuable points at home against City Lads Ladies, as they were held to a 1-all draw at the Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg.
The KwaZulu Natal side will be happy with a point after losing in their last three matches
Formerly known as Bloemfontein Celtic Ladies, they are fifth on the table on 49 points – two behind TS Galaxy Queens, and a further two adrift of JVW.
Copperbelt Ladies 0 – 0 UJ Ladies
Despite being in a precarious position on the league table, Copperbelt Ladies have not done themselves any favours after being held to a goalless draw by the University of Johannesburg (UJ Ladies) in Polokwane.
The newcomers are 13th on the table and finding the going tough in the elite Women’s Football League, this after being promoted at the end of last season.
With 22 points, their spot for next year is not totally guaranteed.
Coal City Wizards 1 – 1 University of Pretoria
Coal City Wizards’ stay in the Hollywoodbets Super League could be coming to an end soon. They managed to hold a strong University of Pretoria (Tuks Ladies) to a 1-all draw, but it has not helped their cause, only given them a stay of execution.
The Mpumalanga outfit is 15th on the log standings, with 14 points after 27 outings – they can only get to 23 if they win their remaining matches, which is a huge mountain to climb, given their season.
Should Thunderbirds win their next match, it will be curtains for Coal City.
Just recently they were given an 11-0 hiding by Sundowns Ladies.
HOLLYWOODBETS SUPER LEAGUE RESULTS:
SATURDAY, 21 OCTOBER 2023
Durban Ladies 1 – 3 TS Galaxy Queens
Princess Magogo Stadium
Umlazi
Royal AM 1 – 1 City Lads Ladies
Harry Gwala Stadium
Pietermaritzburg
Copperbelt Ladies 0 – 0 UJ Ladies
Rugby Field next to Peter Mokaba Stadium
Polokwane
Coal City Wizards 1 – 1 University of Pretoria
Puma Stadium
Witbank
SUNDAY, 22 OCTOBER 2023
UWC 0 – 1 Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies
UWC Stadium
Cape Town
By Matlhomola Morake
