Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies head coach Jerry “Kappa” Tshabalala is a happy man after his charges kicked off the 2022 Hollywoodbets Super League with victory.
But what excited him more was seeing new recruits get a run and display their talent – these included Tiisetso Makhubela, Salome Kekana, Khunjulwa Mali as well as Miche Minnies, who opened the scoring for her new side.
“As I said a few weeks ago, we acquired quality reinforcements during the pre-season and we saw a glimpse into their qualities during the game. There is more to come from them and I am happy with their respective debut performances,” said the award-winning Tshabalala on the club’s website.
The Chloorkop-based outfit was made to sweat before seeing off Ma-Indies Ladies FC 2-1 at the Giyani Stadium in Limpopo.
Boitumelo Rabale added to Minnies’ goal from the penalty spot to have a two goal cushion, but the deficit was reduced just before the break.
Masandawana made several changes – introducing Andisiwe Mgcoyi, Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Rhoda Mulaudzi, Chantelle Esau and Thalea Smidt for Minnies, Lelona Daweti, Mali, Kekana and Rabale respectively.
“Our opponents made the game quite difficult for us, but I must praise my team for their solid showing despite bouts of vulnerabilities. The goal they scored further gave them the belief that they could snatch something away from the fixture, but we showed our resilience once again. Our changes in the second half gave us that extra spine in key areas and I am glad that we held on to clinch an opening day victory,” added Tshabalala.
Sundowns Ladies are next in action when they go up against Golden Ladies from North West at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) as part of a part of a triple header.
They kick off at 11h30.
UJ FC will open the day’s proceedings with a clash against newcomers Vasco da Gama at 09h00, while the last fixture of the day will be between TUT and City Lads Ladies at 15h00.
By Matlhomola Morake
