Reigning Hollywoodbets Super League champions, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, will be looking to bounce back after their shock 1-0 defeat at the hands of the University of the Western Cape (UWC) in midweek action (Thursday, 21 March 2024) in Cape Town.
Banyana ba Style entertain Durban Ladies at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville in one of the eight fixtures of WEEK 5 to be played across the country on Sunday, 24 March 2024.
Both sides come into this match following losses.
The Brazilians suffered their first defeat of the season after three wins in a row – but they still remain top of the table on nine points, level with second-placed TS Galaxy Queens and the University of Pretoria who are third.
Sundowns Ladies have never lost to Durban Ladies in six outings – and will be keen to continue the dominance, more so after losing their last league fixture.
Just last season alone, Banyana ba Style scored 12 goals in total against the Durban outfit in 6-1 and 6-0 wins.
Kickoff for the clash is 15h00.
“We returned from Cape Town with a stronger mentality, immediately resuming training, which reflects the hunger within the team. We got back with a different mindset, recognizing that one loss cannot hinder our momentum. This experience serves as both a confidence booster and an eye-opener, prompting us to revisit the drawing board. Everyone is sharp and prepared to face Durban Ladies. As you can see, teams are getting stronger and we anticipate being pushed to the limit. Nevertheless, we must adhere to the tried and trusted philosophy that has brought us much success,” defender Zanele Nhlapho told her club’s Media Department.
Her words were echoed by defender Karabo Makhurubetshi.
“Over the years, we have mastered the art of finding the positives even in difficult situations and this is no exception. The game reminded us of the need to convert half chances because you never know how a fixture will turn out. Moving forward, we are focused on sharpening our finishing and capitalizing on every opportunity that comes our way. It is all part of our commitment to continuous improvement and striving for excellence,” added the defender
“We are all eager to rectify our mistakes from the last game. Our goal is to use this game against Durban Ladies as an opportunity to lift ourselves. While the loss did catch us by surprise, fortunately, there are plenty of games left to play. We are determined to pull up our socks and redeem ourselves.”
In other fixtures, kicking off the day at 13h00, JVW will be hoping for three wins in a row when they welcome newcomers University of Fort Hare at UJ Soccer Stadium in Soweto. The Blue Diamonds got off to a terrible start, losing two games in a row but seem to have found their footing as they have registered back-to-back wins.
Prolific young striker Tanna Hollis is expected to continue where she left off with three goals in three games, and the club will be boosted by the return of lethal forward Nompumelelo Nyandeni, who parted ways with TS Galaxy Queens.
At Merino Park in De Aar in the Northern Cape, Richmond United will face Limpopo’s Copperbelt Ladies. After four rounds of fixtures, the visitors remain the only side without defeat in the 2024 Hollywoodbets Super League season. They are fourth on the table on eight points, just one behind the log leaders, Richmond is sixth.
TUT Matsatsantsa Ladies had an easy outcome in their last match, winning 3-0 and will be keen to add more woes to City Lads Ladies who suffered defeat on Thursday.
The two meet at the TUT Pretoria Stadium at 15h00.
The high-riding TS Galaxy Queens will be in Mpumalanga at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium for a date with the visiting University of Johannesburg (UJ Ladies) at 15h00. The hosts are second on the log standings and come into this encounter high in spirits following victory midweek, while UJ Ladies played to a draw.
Bottom of the table Thunderbirds Ladies are still winless in 2024 – one of two sides – and will have to be at their best against the third-placed Tuks Ladies at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Bisho. The home team suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat while the students won 2-1 in their last fixtures.
At the Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg, hosts Royal AM will be hoping to revive their fortunes when they face a tough-as-teak UWC at 15h00. After defeating log leaders Sundowns Ladies in a midweek clash, the Capetonians will want to keep the momentum going while the KwaZulu Natal outfit will have to be at their best to pull the carpet underneath their guests. Royal AM is second from bottom and winless in four matches.
After their first win of the season in their last game, Limpopo’s First Touch Ladies will have a bounce in their step at the Prince Magogo Stadium.
They take on new kids on the block Lindelani Ladies, who have had a dry spell in the last three games after winning their opening match.
First Touch is third from basement, while the Durban side is 12th.
HOLLYWOODBETS SUPER LEAGUE FIXTURES: WEEK 5
Sunday, 24 March 2024
JVW vs University of Fort Hare
UJ Soweto Stadium
13h00
Richmond United vs Copperbelt Ladies
Merino Park
De Aar
13h00
TUT Matsatsantsa Ladies vs City Lads
TUT Pretoria Stadium
15h00
TS Galaxy Queens vs UJ Ladies
Solomon Mahlangu Stadium
Mpumalanga
15h00
Thunderbirds Ladies vs University of Pretoria
Sisa Dukashe Stadium
Bisho
15h00
Royal AM vs UWC
Harry Gwala Stadium
Pietermaritzburg
15h00
Sundowns Ladies vs Durban Ladies
Lucas Moripe Stadium
Atteridgeville
15h00
Lindelani Ladies vs First Touch Ladies
Princess Magogo Stadium
Durban
15h00
By Matlhomola Morake
