Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies have expressed confidence in retaining their TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Champions League | COSAFA title.
The boldness comes just before they tackle Green Buffaloes of Zambia in the final of the competition that will take place on Saturday (13 August 2022) at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Umlazi, near Durban.
The Brazilians qualified for the final after they walloped Costa do Sol of Mozambique 8-1 in their first match of the tournament – even though they stumbled in the second match (they played to a 1-1 draw against Botswana’s Double Action Ladies), the South Africans had done enough to progress to the next stage, thanks to a superior goal difference.
Sundowns finished top of their group to set up a meeting with Green Buffaloes.
“Our opponents from Botswana gave a good account of themselves. It was not an easy game at all because they contested for every ball and dominated the key battles across the pitch. Before the match, I spoke about the unpredictability of the game of football because there are no pushovers in the sport anymore. It’s incredible to see how much momentum the women’s game is gaining across the continent. Nevertheless, the final allows us to showcase our attacking capabilities once again. We simply cannot wait,” said Sundowns coach Agnes Nkosi on the club’s website.
Her words were echoed by vice-captain Karabo Makhurubetshi, who added that they needed to be at their best in the final if they are to retain their title.
“Despite the draw against Double Action Ladies, we successfully achieved our first goal which was to reach the final of the competition. The main objective for us is to retain our title and we are working round the clock to ensure there are no upsets. These are the moments where true champions are forged and the mandate for us on Saturday is clear,” said Makhurubetshi.
Irrespective of what happens in the final, Sundowns have secured a safe passage to the 2022 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Champions League in Morocco later this year, due to being the defending champions.
The Brazilians will be joined Buffaloes by virtue of finishing as Group B winners.
The battle for bronze will be contested by Double Action Ladies and Olympique de Moroni, and this will preceded the final.
By Matlhomola Morake
