The Hollywoodbets Super League returned to action after the April FIFA international break and dished out some interesting results.
All eight fixtures produced winners on Week 9, with five teams victorious on the road. 23 goals were scored – newcomers Copperbelt Ladies were the biggest winners, netting four goals.
UWC 1 – 2 TS Galaxy Queens:
There were six matches played on Saturday and new kids on the block TS Galaxy Queens caught a big fish as they became the first team to defeat the high-riding University of the Western Cape (UWC) in a 2-1 victory .
This was the first ever meeting between the two sides.
After seven wins on the trot, the Capetonians’ run came to an abrupt end at home at the UWC Stadium. The visitors had taken a two-nil lead through Busisiwe Ndimeni (17’) and Nothando Vilakazi (63’) before Tiffany Kortjie (72’) responded for the hosts, but it was too little too late.
City Lads Ladies 1 – 3 Sundowns Ladies:
The setback saw Thinasonke Mbuli’s side drop to second place on 21 points, just one behind the log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies who rose to the summit following a 3-1 win over City Lads Ladies at the Isaac Wolfson Stadium in Gqeberha.
This was a welcome win for the Brazilians following their shock 1-0 defeat to Royal AM before the FIFA break.
Sundowns Ladies were the first to tickle the scoreboard in the 22nd minute through Lelona Daweti before Sikelelwa Mhlanga levelled matters 11 minutes into the second half.
Lesotho’s finest, Boitumelo Rabale, then scored a brace (60’ , 88’) to take the Chloorkop outfit to the top of the table in a 3-1 victory.
Banyana ba Style are on 22 points after nine rounds of matches – UWC is one point behind with a game in hand.
Thunderbirds Ladies 1 – 0 First Touch Academy:
It was high-fives all round after Eastern Cape’s Thunderbirds Ladies registered their first victory of the season.
The hosts brushed aside First Touch Academy 1-0 at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in East London.
The result was not enough however to move them from the 14th spot on the table.
They have lost six and drawn two matches.
UJ Ladies 2 – 4 Copperbelt Ladies:
Elsewhere, the University of Johannesburg (UJ Ladies) also lost for the first time at home (UJ Stadium, Soweto) when they were beaten 4-2 by new kids on the block, Copperbelt Ladies.
UJ Ladies had enjoyed a fine run, winning all their five games in their backyard, but were denied the sixth win by the resilient Limpopo outfit.
Richmond United vs Ma-Indies Ladies:
In the Northern Cape, two goals in either half from Michelle Sampson of Richmond United dashed any hopes of Ma-Indies Ladies grabbing their second win of the season in a row. The Limpopo side had hoped to continue with the victory they secured before the international recess, but found Richmond United in an uncompromising mood at Merino Park in De Aar. The home team won 2-0, and climbed to fourth on the table, level on 18 points with third-placed UJ Ladies and TS Galaxy Queens who are fifth.
Royal AM 0 – 1 JVW:
Royal AM’s struggles at home continue as they were defeated 1-0 by the visiting JVW at the Mpumalanga Stadium in Hammersdale, KwaZulu Natal.
Before the break, Royal AM was the toast of the town after they became the first team to collect three points from the league’s defending champions, Sundowns Ladies – but lost the momentum against JVW who were inspired by a Bongiwe Thusi goal shortly after coming on as a second half substitute.
The KwaZulu Natal side has now drawn three matches at home and lost two – and yet to win in their backyard.
University of Pretoria 2 – 1 Coal City Wizards:
On Sunday, Tuks Ladies and Durban Ladies registered hard-fought victories at the TUT Pretoria Stadium.
First up was the University of Pretoria who led 2-0 at the half time but emerged 2-1 victors at the sound of the final whistle against a spirited but struggling Coal City Wizards from Mpumalanga 2-1.
The visitors have parted ways with their previous coach, and have roped in the services of Peter Mubayiwa, who lost his first match in charge.
TUT 1 – 2 Durban Ladies:
In the second match of the double header, hosts TUT suffered a 2-1 loss to Durban Ladies who led 2-0 at half time.
There was joy all round as this was the first ever win for the coastal team in seven games against TUT.
HOLLYWOODBETS SUPER LEAGUE WEEK 9 RESULTS:
Saturday, 15 April 2023:
City Lads Ladies 1 – 3 Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies
Richmond United 2 – 0 Ma-Indies Ladies
Royal AM 0 – 1 JVW
Thunderbirds Ladies 1 – 0 First Touch
UJ Ladies 2 – 4 Copperbelt Ladies
UWC 1 – 2 TS Galaxy Queens
Sunday, 16 April 2023:
Tuks Ladies 2 – 1 Coal City Wizards
TUT 1 – 2 Durban Ladies
By Matlhomola Morake
