Reigning Hollywoodbets Super League champions, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies begin the defence of their title against a stubborn JVW on Sunday, 9 March 2025 at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville.
Despite encounters between the two teams being tightly-contested affairs, the Blue Diamonds are yet to register a win over Banyana ba Style in the eight matches they have played – with six wins for the league champions and two draws.
What also counts on Sundowns Ladies’ favour is that they have a 100 percent win record in all their previous opening matches of the season, dating back to start of the South African elite women’s football league in 2019/20.
The Brazilians defeated Richmond United 7-0 in the first season, and continued with a 4-0 victory over the now relegated Golden Ladies in 2021.
The following year they had to dig deep in a 2-1 win against Limpopo’s Ma-Indies, who have since dropped to the lower division. A year later, they faced Richmond United again, and managed a 1-0 victory this time and last year they were on fire as they thumped Royal AM 4-0.
Will they continue their dominance in the opening games of the league when they face JVW in 2025?
The two teams come into this match under different conditions – they both have new coaches.
JVW has elevated former assistant coach Janine van Wyk to head coach following the departure of Mitch Stevens, while Sundowns Ladies is expected to be led by the club’s legend, Godfrey Sapula, who is standing in for the suspended Jerry Tshabalala.
The Blue Diamonds could be a tricky opponent this time around as they have already played one match, grabbing a hard-fought 3-2 win against newcomers Ezemvelo Ladies, and will want to continue with that momentum..
Thirty goals have been scored between the two teams, with the Brazilians netting 21 of those.
Kickoff for this clash is 15h00.
PREVIOUS RESULTS BETWEEN SUNDOWNS LADIES AND JVW:
2024:
1-0 (Sundowns)
1-1
2023:
6-1 (Sundowns)
2-3 (Sundowns)
2022:
0-2 (Sundowns)
4-2 (Sundowns)
2021:
2-1 (Sundowns)
2-2
Earlier in the day, TUT Matsatsantsa Ladies will open the proceedings of the double header when they take on First Touch Ladies – both will be playing their first matches of the season after they had their fixtures postponed in the opening week.
In the eight times they have met, First Touch has the upper hand with four wins compared to two by TUT Matsatsantsa Ladies. The other two matches have been drawn.
The last meeting between the two sides saw the Limpopo outfit (First Touch) walk away 4-1 winners over their Tshwane opponents.
This game kicks off at 11h30.
By Matlhomola Morake
