In the Hollywoodbets Super League catch-up round against Vasco da Gama Ladies, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies scored twice in the final few minutes to win all three points. This season, the Brazilians have scored 88 goals, one more than last.
The Brazilians earned maximum points at Parow Park in Cape Town thanks to goals from Boitumelo Rabale and Lelona Daweti as they inch closer to reclaiming their league crown.
Coach Jerry Tshabalala fielded a formidable squad against the Cape Town side despite the absence of Andile Dlamini, Tiisetso Makhubela, Bambanani Mbane, Thalea Smidt, and Melinda Kgadiete due to international commitments.
With Karabo Makhurubetshi, Regina Mogolola, Lehlogonolo Mashigo, and a fit-again Zanele Nhlapho anchoring the back line, Sedilame Bosija continued her unbeaten streak in goal. Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Thembelihle Masibi, and Miche Minnies started in a three-pronged assault, with Oratile Mokwena, Lelona Daweti, and Boitumelo Rabale in midfield.
Despite controlling critical areas in the first half, the Brazilians were unable to score against their tenacious opponents.
Rhoda Mulaudzi and Khutso Pila were brought upon after the restart to replace Thembelihle Masibi and Miche Minnies as Coach Jerry refreshed the attack.
Lelona Daweti’s goal and a quick-fire goal from Boitumelo Rabale gave Banyana Ba Style a 2-0 victory, but the former was made possible by a well-taken penalty by Rabale.
“The game was far from simple because our opponents deployed a low block and blocked numerous of our attacking chances,” Lelona Daweti said of the hard-fought victory. They came at us hard, so we had to dig deep to get the most points. These are the types of games we will face in the CAF Women’s Champions League, and we must be prepared to constantly find a way to win. We are once again satisfied with our fighting spirit.”
“The burden was on us to win the game, and we showed our class when it meant the most,” said Boitumelo Rabale, who snapped her mini-goal drought. Our opponents were adamant about getting a result, but we were patient and enjoyed the benefits later on. We are quite pleased with our performance today and are ready for the next game.”
Sundowns Ladies have increased their advantage at the top of the Hollywoodbets Super League standings to 58 points after 19 wins in 22 games. The Brazilians have already scored 88 goals while conceding only 11. Coach Jerry’s team also has a massive goal differential of +77.
Boitumelo Rabale has now matched Miche Minnies on the Sundowns scoring tally with 15 goals. Andisiwe Mgcoyi has 10 goals, Melinda Kgadiete has 7 goals, and Rhoda Mulaudzi has 6 goals.
Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies’ next match is against Vasco do Gama Ladies on Sunday, 9 October 2022 at the UWC Stadium.