JVW finished third in the 2023 Hollywoodbets Super League season, but after two games in the 2024 campaign, they have nothing to show for it following back-to-back defeats.
They will be hoping for a third time lucky – but standing in their way is one of the better performers in the previous year, but also got off to a good start in the new season, the University of the Western Cape (UWC), who managed a draw and a win.
The two giants set the weekend ball rolling when they face off on Friday, 15 March 2024 at the UJ Soweto Stadium at 19h00.
This will be their seventh meeting in the competition with JVW yet to register a win against the Blues after four wins and two draws.
The visitors come into this match on the back of an impressive 7-1 victory against Limpopo’s First Touch Ladies last weekend, while the Blue Diamonds failed to shine against the University of Johannesburg (UJ Ladies), going down 1-3.
The Capetonians will be glad to have their captain Bongeka Gamede, back in full force alongside midfielder Sibulele Holweni. Both were out injured since last year and only returned to action in the previous match, with the latter finding the back of the net.
“I think we did well against First Touch Ladies compared to our first game against Copperbelt Ladies, we had an opportunity to correct the few mistakes that we did in the first game but still not everything is right. We still had a few mistakes that we corrected in our video session preparing for a game against JVW. Midweek games are always difficult because we are a university team so not all the players are available, but we will try and do our best (against JVW),” Head Coach Thinasonke Mbuli told her club’s Media Department.
A total of six matches will be played on Saturday, 16 March 2024.
The first fixture of the day will see newcomers Lindelani Ladies welcome the Eastern Cape’s City Lads Ladies at the Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu at 13h00.
The hosts will be eager to return to winning ways after getting their campaign off to a flying start with a win, only to be brought down to earth with a loss to TUT Matsatsantsa Ladies in their second game. The travellers have not managed any points on the table and will be looking to get their season back on track after two defeats.
All eyes will be at the Lucas Moripe Stadium for the top-of-the-table encounter between reigning league champions and current log leaders, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies against the high-riding University of Johannesburg (UJ Ladies).
These are the only teams in the league with an unblemished record after two wins each on the trot – and both have been involved in high-scoring matches in the current campaign.
Sundowns Ladies started with a 4-0 victory and followed it up with 5-3 win, while UJ Ladies got off the mark winning 4-1 and last weekend continued where they left off with a 3-1 success.
A win for the Brazilians will help them cement their top spot, while victory for UJ Ladies will see them climb top of the table.
This will be the ninth match between the two – but the students have suffered defeats in all the previous games since the start of the South African elite women’s football league in the 2019/2020 season.
Banyana ba Style have netted an impressive 19 goals against their opponents – UJ Ladies scored only four.
Some of those goals for Sundowns Ladies were scored by forward Melinda Kgadiete and defender Tiisetso Makhubela over the years.
The former Bloemfontein Celtic striker netted in the 3-1 win in 2022 and repeated the act last season when Banyana Ba Style triumphed 2-1.
“It is a good start and we plan to maintain this momentum throughout the season, even though we know there are a couple of tough fixtures coming up. Beginning the campaign positively and collecting points early while other teams are still finding their footing is advantageous,” Kgadiete told her club’s website.
“We acknowledge the strengths of our opponents, but our focus remains on our performance. By capitalizing on our opportunities and minimizing errors, we believe we can continue our good start to the season. The mood in camp is very positive and we are looking forward to the game.”
Makhubela was on target two years ago in the 3-0 away victory.
“I am pleased with how we have dominated this fixture in recent times, but every season brings its challenges. We understand that they will be motivated to halt our momentum, but we are collectively ready for the challenge they will bring,” said Makhubela.
“Of course, there is a lot on the line on Saturday because the winner will not only secure maximum points but also become the early leader of the table. The goal is to start the season strongly and I am excited about our goal return (9 goals) after the first two games.”
In East London, the winless Thunderbirds Ladies will entertain the surprise package of 2023, the University of Pretoria (Tuks Ladies), with the aim of getting their first their first win of the season, following two losses. Tuks Ladies on the other hand managed one win and one defeat. Kickoff at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium is at 15h00.
Another battle royale this weekend will play out in Pietermaritzburg at the Harry Gwala Stadium when Royal AM lock horns against TS Galaxy Queens at 15h00.
On paper, this is one of the most exciting fixtures in the Hollywoodbets Super League.
TUT Matsatsantsa Ladies will make the long travel to Merino Park in De Aar, Northern Cape for a date with Richmond United.
The two sides come into this fixture at the back of victories and will be in high spirits, which makes for an exciting match-up.
After suffering defeats in their last outing, both Durban Ladies and First Touch Ladies are looking to resurrect their season when they meet in the only match on Sunday, 17 March 2024 at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi, near Durban.
Kickoff is at 13h00.
HOLLYWOODBETS SUPER LEAGUE FIXTURES: WEEK 3
Friday, 15 March 2024
JVW FC vs UWC
UJ Soweto Campus
19h00
Saturday, 16 March 2024
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS LADIES FC vs UNIVERSITY OF JHB FC
Lucas Moripe Stadium, Atteridgeville
15h00
THUNDERBIRDS LADIES vs CITY LADS
Sisa Dukashe Stadium, East London
15h00
ROYAL AM vs TS GALAXY QUEENS
Harry Gwala Stadium, Pietermaritzburg
15h00
RICHMOND UNITED vs TUT MATSATSANTSA FOOTBALL CLUB
Merino Park, De Aar
15h00
LINDELANI LADIES vs UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA
Princess Magogo Stadium,
13h00
UNIVERSITY OF FORT HARE FC vs COPPER BELTS FC
Davidson Stadium, Alice
15h00
Sunday, 17 March 2024
DURBAN LADIES FC vs FIRST TOUCH FC LADIES
King Zwelithini Stadium, Durban
13h00
By Matlhomola Morake
