Boitumelo Rabale and Melinda Kgadiete have stated a desire to return Banyana Ba Style to the top of women’s football on the African continent in the 2018 season, citing their great goal-scoring performances from the previous year.
Both strikers were instrumental in Sundowns Ladies winning their third consecutive Hollywoodbets Super League title and reaching the finals of the COSAFA Qualifiers and CAF Women’s Champions League last season.
The Chloorkop team scored 147 goals in all competitions as a result of their aggressive combination plays and their excellent adaptability. In the three contests that the squad participated in, the duo scored a total of 42 goals.
On their return to training, Rabale, who had scored 27 strikes in the previous campaign, set her objectives for the upcoming one.
“It is always satisfying to put the ball in the back of the net because goals help us win games. However, my goal for the team is to reclaim the CAF Women’s Champions League, the continental women’s football championship. Even though we reached the finals last season, Mamelodi Sundowns does not accept runner-up finishes.
Last season, the captain of the Lesotho women’s national team scored three league hat-tricks (against Durban Ladies and twice against Coal City Wizards) and three braces. In the end, the offensive midfielder was named Player of the Season at the Hollywood bets Super League Awards.
Melinda Kgadiete, one of the few players who scored in all three competitions during the previous season, was excited to return to training.
“It feels great to be back in camp, and thanks to the technical team’s work, we came at training in the finest possible condition. Typically, preseason preparations are strenuous because they condition us for the upcoming long season. As players, we are dedicated to the task at hand, and I am prepared to offer my all as we sketch out the next campaign.”
Kgadiete participated in a variety of offensive formations created by Coach Jerry ‘Kappa’ Tshabalala throughout the 2016-2017 season. The 30-year-old striker’s versatility allowed her to develop partnerships with Boitumelo Rabale, Andisiwe Mgcoyi, Miche Minnies, and Lelona Daweti, among others.
Prior to the start of the new season, Melinda outlined her goals: “My goals for the upcoming season are aligned with those of the squad, which is to win the CAF competitions. As we did two years ago, nothing gets me happier than seeing us win the COSAFA Qualifiers and the CAF Women’s Champions League. It’s going to be a massive season, and we’re looking forward to the three tournaments with confidence.”
Boitumelo Rabale and Melinda Kgadiete will hope to repeat their goal-scoring prowess in the forthcoming season as Coach Jerry’s squad seeks to win every contest they enter.
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