In 2021, the Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies etched their name in the history books by becoming the first players to win the Caf Women’s Champions League, in its first year.
A little less than a year after this historic victory, the South Africans will begin the defense of their continental title by contesting the regional qualifier, organized by the Council of Southern African Football Associations (Cosafa) and which will take place in Durban August 7-13.
Last season, Banyana Ba Style scored an incredible 22 goals in five games in those same qualifiers. They only conceded once. These performances helped set the tone for success in the Champions League proper, in Egypt, where they were once again effective on their way to the title.
Now the Tshwane giants are looking to extend their continental dominance for a second year as they take on some of the continent’s top sides.
First and foremost, Jerry Tshabalala’s side must overcome a hurdle, as they take on some of the most impressive teams in Southern Africa.
Masandawana is in Group A with Double Action Ladies from Botswana, whom she beat 6-0 in last season’s group stage, as well as tournament debutants Costa do Sol from Mozambique.
“It’s a very tricky draw for us because we find ourselves in a group that has a Mozambican debutant. We’ve never had a chance to assess their strengths and they will be our opponents in the first game,” he said. said coach Tshabalala.
“We have to rely on our strengths as a team because we believe in our philosophy and style of play which has brought us great success over the years.”
The Sundowns manager is also loath to underestimate the other side in Group A, despite how his side crushed them last time out.
“Yes, we came out on top last year against our opponents, but they may have changed a number of their personnel and players. I believe they have strengthened their team and I expect a different team this this time,” the longtime Sundowns mentor said.
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“We are not going to be complacent as we plan to work hard and treat every game as a final. Defending our title is the priority and we are ready for that.
Stick to the game plan
Tshabalala’s sentiments were echoed by goalkeeper Andile ‘Sticks’ Dlamini, who was integral to the continental success of both Sundowns in 2021, as well as Banyana in 2022 as they won their maiden European Cup title. African Women’s Nations (Wafcon).
“We are up against teams that are also looking to etch their names in the record books. At Mamelodi Sundowns we are sticking to our game plan and paying close attention to the technical team. We are confident in our chances in Durban and our target is to win,” the Wafcon goalkeeper said of the tournament.
“We are prepared and fearless of our opponent, but of course we have respect for the African champions. The motivation is high and the girls are determined,” said Costa coach Ismael Hagy.
Group B includes Young Buffaloes of Eswatini, Green Buffaloes of Zambia and Olympique de Moroni of Comoros. The winner of the competition will represent Southern Africa in the second edition of the Champions League, scheduled for Morocco later this year.
All matches in the six-team tournament will be played at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Clermont, and matches will be broadcast on SuperSport, as well as SABC streaming platforms.
Fans attending the games will be able to enter for free, Cosafa announced. They will be able to collect their tickets three hours before the start of the matches, on a first-come, first-served basis. These can be picked up at the corner of Krause Road and 29th Avenue outside Sugar Ray Stadium. DM
Group stage schedule:
Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Costa do Sol – August 7 (12 p.m.)
Green Buffaloes vs. Young Buffaloes – August 7 (3:30 p.m.)
Double Action Ladies vs Mamelodi Sundowns August 9 (12pm)
Moroni Olympic – Green Buffaloes August 9 (3:30 p.m.)
Costa do Sol vs Double Action Ladies August 11 (12pm)
Young Buffaloes vs Olympique de Moron August 11 (3:30 p.m.)