Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies are confident of defending the three titles they won in 2021.
The Brazilians are the inaugural CAF Women’s Champions League winners, won gold in the CAF COSAFA Club Championships and also lifted the Hollywoodbets Super League trophy after an amazing season.
They are well aware they are under pressure to repeat those heroics again, and are under no illusion that it will be tough, but they believe they have what it takes to do it again.
Sundowns has been hard at work in pre-season training to get ready for 2022.
“We are looking forward to the new season, and we will do our best to defend all three titles, hence we have bolstered our side,” said an elated Sundowns Ladies head coach, Jerry Tshabalala.
The reigning African champions have scooped the signature of Vasco Da Gama’s Miche Minnies from Cape Town. The 20 year-old was named the Player of the Tournament at the 2021 Sasol League National Champs held in Durban in January.
She led her side to the title and also helped them win promotion into the Hollywoodbets Super League.
They have also acquired the services of former Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) allrounder, Gabonnelwe Salome Kekana https://centrecircle.archgriffin-hosting.co.za/sundowns-ladies-add-more-firepower/
“We want to do well again in the three competitions we won, hence we are bolstering our squad,” added Tshabalala, who was raving about Kekana.
“Salome is a left wing back but can also give us something offensively. We had a bit of a struggle after Karabo Dhlamini left as we had only one left-footed player in Morifi Chuene and so we needed to strengthen that side. When Chuene was not available we had to come up with a plan and use Nonhlanhla Mthandi. But in Salome we have found the perfect fit – she brings in those crosses, she is solid defensively and can play at left back, left centre back or as a left-winger. We brought her quality knowing what she is capable of. What also worked in her favour is that she had a couple of stints with Banyana Banyana – so we are really excited and looking forward to working with her.”
To accommodate the incoming players, Sundowns has had to part ways with some players.
Central midfielder Lebogang Mabatle, attacking midfielder Bongiwe Thusi, winger Sizanda Komane and goalkeeper Nthabiseng Matshaba will not form part of the Brazilians set-up for the upcoming season. The quartet has already been released and are free to join teams of their choice.
“We would like to thank these wonderful players for the work they have done for this club, and it is rather unfortunate and sad that we have to part ways. It is also through their efforts that this club is riding high and we want to convey our greatest gratitude to them for everything they have done during their time with this amazing team. We wish them the best with their future endeavours,” concluded Tshabalala.
By Matlhomola Morake
