Melinda Kgadiete was the hero as her second-half goal gave Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies all three points against a resolute Tsunami Queens on Wednesday at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville in the Hollywoodbets Super League.
The Brazilians were bolstered by the return of numerous players who had recently participated in high-profile friendlies for Banyana Banyana.
Asa Rabalao was named the starting goalkeeper, while Zanele Nhlapho, Karabo Makhurubetshi, Khutso Pila, and Lehlogonolo Mashigo anchored the defense. Thalea Smidt, Rhoda Mulaudzi, and Chantelle Esau began play in the middle, but Lelona Daweti, Boitumelo Rabale, and Miche Minnies formed a three-pronged attack.
First-half possession was controlled by the defending champions, who were denied multiple opportunities to score.
Melinda Kgadiete and Chuene Morifi were called upon to replace Lehlogolo Mashigo and Chantelle Esau following the restart.
Melinda Kgadiete capitalized on an excellent team play to put Sundowns Ladies in front following that change. Boitumelo Rabale and Rhoda Mulaudzi came close to scoring in the dying moments, but were unable to do so as the reigning champions secured a hard-fought victory.
Melinda Kgadiete, whose goal proved decisive, was pleased with her comeback to scoring after missing the last several weeks owing to international obligations.
“Scoring upon my return to the team is an incredible feeling. The opponent’s objective was to prevent us from finding the back of the net. Nevertheless, there is a reason why we are the reigning champions; we always find a way to win, as we demonstrated today. “We are not resting on our laurels and are already preparing for the next encounter,” the game-winner said.
Captain Zanele Nhlapho was happy with the result of the match: “We anticipated that our opponents would defend aggressively, and they did so. They attempted to frustrate us on multiple occasions with their tactics, but we maintained our composure and scored in the second half. This game was yet another test of our character, and we are pleased with the end result.”
Banyana Ba Style has strengthened its position at the top of the Hollywoodbets Super League by accumulating 64 points after 21 victories in 24 games. The Brazilians’ defense is the finest in the league, conceding just 11 goals while scoring 93 goals.
Boitumelo Rabale and Miche Minnies are tied for first place with 16 goals each on the Sundowns’ scoring chart. Andisiwe Mgcoyi has scored 10 goals, Melinda Kgadiete has scored 8 goals, and Rhoda Mulaudzi has scored 7 goals.
On Sunday, 16 October 2022, Mamelodi Sundowns Women will face JVW FC in a difficult match.