Tough test awaits Sundowns coach Tshabalala and his troops
Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies head coach Jerry Tshabalala and his troops face a tough test this afternoon when they take on tricky side Bloemfontein Celtic in the Hollywoodbets Super League at Mpumalanga Stadium in Hammarsdale.
The kick-off for the much-awaited showdown is at 15:30.
Coach ‘Kappa’, as he is popularly known within the football cycles, is anticipating a tough and very tactical encounter when the two teams lock horns.
The red-hot Brazilians come into this game highly motivated following their comfortable 4-0 win over Thunderbirds Ladies this past Wednesday, thanks to braces from Melinda Kgadiete and Miche Minnie.
Meanwhile, Celtic will be gunning for more glory as they also won their last game, thrashing Richmond United 3-0 on their own turf.
In a pre-match interview with the club’s media, Tshabalala stated that it won’t be a walk in a park as they are facing one of the good side in the league with quality players.
TSHABALALA SPEAKS…
“We responded very well against Thunderbirds Ladies after a very difficult game in the previous week,” he said.
“On Sunday, we will be facing a different opposition and we need to be vigilant in every aspect of our game.
“The goal is to retain the league title this season and we cannot afford any further slip-up.”
The last time the two sides met in the first round, Masandawana walked away victorious with a 2-0 scoreline at home, courtesy of Boitumelo Rabale and Gabonnelwe Kekana’s beautiful strikes.
As things stand, Banyana Ba Style are currently cruising on the summit of the log standings with 52 points, five points clear of second-placed TUT Ladies.
The Brazilians are a high-scoring team in the league with an incredible 83 goals, just four goals shy of the 87 goals scored last campaign.
On the other hand, Celtic find themselves in the fourth place, having collected 41 points from 21 outings.
Tshabalala on to say that their “eyes are on the top prize” which is to the league title come the end of the season.
“We are pleased with the quality and quantity of goals we have scored this season. Nevertheless, our eyes are on the top prize which is clinching the trophy,” explained ‘Kappa’.
“We have 10 games left to play, and we need to win as many games as possible to create some daylight at the top of the standings.
“We are a team that usually embarks on long runs without dropping points and we need to work hard to ensure things stay that way.
SUNDOWNS LEADING GOALSCORERS
1. Miche Minnies – 15 goals
2. Boitumelo Rabale – 14 goals
3. Andisiwe Mgcoyi – 10 goals
4. Melinda Kgadiete – 7 goals