It took Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies only two weeks to return to the top of the table of the Hollywoodbets Super League.
During that period, they scored an impressive 10 goals – winning 5-1 on both occasions against neighbours TUT and Thunderbirds Ladies.
Now back at the summit of the log standings, they are gunning for another win to cement their position – they have 18 points, one above second-placed JVW.
The Banyana Ba Style host Bloemfontein Celtic Ladies on Wednesday (1 June 2022), a fixture that headlines the Hollywoodbets Super League midweek action.
The clash takes place at the Groenkloof Stadium in Pretoria, and kicks off at 15h00.
Last season Masandawana collected all six points against Siwelele sa Masele with 2-0 victories in both rounds, but the Brazilians is taking nothing for granted.
“These are the games that define our mentality and character. Bloemfontein Celtic Ladies are not pushovers and their results this season have been impressive. We anticipate a tough encounter, but we have to stick to our style and philosophy. We are ready to leave it all on the pitch against our opponents,” said head coach Jerry “Kappa” Tshabalala on the club’s website.
His sentiments were echoed by Sundowns’ leading goal scorer with nine goals, Andisiwe Mgcoyi.
“The game against Bloemfontein Celtic Ladies will be a major test for us. They are a very good side who are also gunning for the title this season. They have twice won the league (2016 and 2017), which means they have got a solid pedigree when it comes to the big clashes. Nevertheless, we have to take our chances when they come. Although we have had a couple of high-scoring encounters, I believe we can do much more in front of goal,” added Mgcoyi, who has already scored two hattricks in seven matches.
The defending league champions have only one blemish on their chart – a 2-0 loss to UWC – but they have won the other six matches, scoring 36 goals in the process, and letting in just five.
With the previous results still fresh in their minds, Celtic Ladies know they are in for a tough day at the office, but they come prepared for a fight.
“We are all well aware the playing against Mamelodi Sundowns is always a tough encounter, afterall they are African champions, so it will not be easy at all. But we are hoping to do well as we have done our homework. I believe we have prepared for the match as we know how they play – our advantage is that they have played a lot of game on TV so we got to see the different kinds of combinations that they possess. So yes, we are looking forward to this encounter, and again I say we hope to do well because playing African champions is never easy,” said Celtic Ladies coach Thato Cambridge Haraba.
The third-placed Celtic is one of the two teams yet to taste defeat, alongside JVW.
The Free State side has won four matches with three draws, collecting 15 points in the process – three less than the Brazilians.
By Matlhomola Morake
