The 2022 Hollywoodbets Super League is going to be a tough one!
This is according to Jerry Tshabalala, head coach of the reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies.
The statement comes after his side played to a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ma-Indies in their opening match of the season in Giyani last weekend.
The Brazilians face Golden Ladies in their second fixture of 2022.
The match is part of a triple header at the Tshwane University of Technology.
UJ Ladies FC and Vasco da Gama face off in the first match.
Sundowns vs Golden Ladies will follow in the second game, while TUT will take on City Lads Ladies in the final contest of the day.
Tshabalala has warned his charges to brace themselves for a difficult day at the office.
“The opening round of fixtures gave us an indication of how tight the league will be this season. Most of the teams in the league have strengthened their squad in key areas and they are looking formidable. There will be no easy games this time around because every team will be looking to get points off us. Nevertheless, I believe in my squad and we are ready for the fixture against Golden Ladies,” Tshabalala told his club’s website.
New recruit from Vasco, Miche Minnies, scored the opening goal against Ma-Indies while Boitumelo Rabale adding the second.
With the first match jitters out of the way, Masandawana are eager to continue from where they left off as they take on a side that lost to Thunderbirds.
Here is what the Sundowns Ladies players said:
Zanele Nhlapho – Captain:
“It’s so good to welcome the supporters back to the stadium. It is always wonderful to see them donning the Yellow shirts and singing victory songs whenever we play. Our first game was a tight one, but we found a way to seal all three points. We are hoping to get back to our free-flowing best against our next opponents.”
Chantelle Esau:
“The game against Ma-Indies Ladies was not an easy one by any means, but we showed our mental strength throughout the game. I believe Golden Ladies will also be aiming to negate our attacking threats. We are prepared for the game and we are going to fight collectively to improve our chances in the encounter.”
Lelona Daweti:
“This game will provide us with an immediate opportunity to address several issues we experienced in the season opener. We are keen to display our usual ultra-attacking football philosophy which has seen us achieve so much. We aim to play to our strengths and maximise the opportunities that we create throughout the game.”
Sundowns Ladies and Golden Ladies have met on two previous occasions last season, with the champions prevailing 4-0 and 2-1.
By Matlhomola Morake
