Despite being in second place, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies remains the team to watch.
Their season got off to a flyer as they shot to the top of the Hollywoodbets Super League table with relative ease.
But they relinquished their position to JVW after Banyana Ba Style got unstuck against the University of the Western Cape (UWC) in a shock 2-0 loss – their first defeat in four years.
Be that as it may, the Brazilians are still a menace as evidenced by their 5-1 victory over neighbours TUT in the Tshwane Derby in their next fixture.
Now Jerry Tshabalala’s charges are eager to maintain their winning run when they face off against Thunderbirds Ladies on Saturday (28 May 2022) at the Gelvandale Stadium in Qgeberha in a 15h00 kick off.
Sundowns Ladies has scored an impressive nine goals against the Eastern Cape side – winning 4-0 and posting an easy 5-0 triumph in the reverse fixture.
They are currently on 15 points – just one behind log leaders JVW – and are looking at every opportunity to return to the summit of the table with six rounds of fixtures already played.
Thunderbirds are in sixth position, with 10 points following three wins, two losses and a draw.
The goal scoring duties have been shared by several players in their camp – including the leader of the pack Boitumelo Rabale with seven to her name, while the likes of Rhoda Mulaudzi, new recruit Miche Minnies and last season’s joint top goal scorer, Andisiwe Mgcoyi, have chipped in with some more.
In total, they have hit the back of the net 32 times, and conceded four in the process.
Not to be left behind is the versatile returnee Karabo Dhlamini, who spent the last two years in the USA running out for Oakland University and Golden Grizzlies.
The midfielder has two goals to her name – she got on the scoresheet in the 8-0 defeat over newcomers City Lads Ladies and added another in the Tshwane Derby.
“Since I re-joined the team, I have gained the support of my teammates and the coaching staff. We have confidently begun the season and we plan to maintain our dominance both domestically and continentally. I am happy with the goals that I have scored so far, but seeing the team excel, excites me the most,” said Dhlamini on the club’s website.
Tshabalala has also been impressed by the performances put out by the Banyana Banyana player.
“We have been pleased thus far with the return of Karabo Dhlamini to the side. We have integrated her slowly into the philosophy of the team and we are reaping the dividends already. She is an extremely versatile player who can play anywhere down the spine; as a centre-back, a central midfielder, or even as a centre forward. Her vast international experience, athletic and technical ability will come in handy as we look to defend our titles during the season,” said Tshabalala.
Both player and coach will be hoping the success continues when they take on Thunderbirds Ladies in round seven of South Africa’s elite women’s league.
By Matlhomola Morake
