“We’ll give our all”, vows Makhurubetsi ahead of COSAFA showdown
Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies vice-captain Karabo Makhurubetshi insists that Banyana Ba Style players will give “all of their lives” against Green Buffaloes in the Hollywoodbets COSAFA Zonal Qualifier final this afternoon.
The game will be played at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium at 15:30.
The red-hot Brazilians have already qualified for the 2022 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Champions League as they are the current title holders which made the Zambian side secure a spot in the Champions League by finishing as Group B winners.
Having cruised their way into the finals, Makhurubetshi reckons that Downs Ladies will need to be at their best to defeat the in-form Buffaloes.
“Despite the draw against Double Action Ladies, we successfully achieved our first goal which was to reach the final of the competition,” the vice-captain told the media.
🚨𝔾𝔸𝕄𝔼𝔻𝔸𝕐 COSAFA REGION FINAL🚨
— Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies Team (@SundownsLadies) August 13, 2022
🆚 Green Buffaloes
⏰ 15H30
🏟️ Sugar Ray Xulu
📺 COSAFA TV, SABC SPORT CHANNEL
🎟️ Collect your FREE ticket at Krause Road and 29th Avenue#SundownsLadies #CWCL2022#hollywoodbetscosafacup2022 pic.twitter.com/TODvfqOPDR
“The main objective for us is to retain our title and we are working round the clock to ensure there are no upsets. These are the moments where true champions are forged and the mandate for us on Saturday is clear.”
Masandawana played out to a 1-all draw against Botswana’s Double Action Ladies, however, coach Agnes Nkosi believes the team will be gunning to make amends in Saturday’s final.
“Our opponents from Botswana gave a good account of themselves. It was not an easy game at all because they contested for every ball and dominated the key battles across the pitch,” added coach Nkosi.
“Before the match, I spoke about the unpredictability of the game of football because there are no pushovers in the sport anymore. It’s incredible to see how much momentum the women’s game is gaining across the continent.
“Nevertheless, the final allows us to showcase our attacking capabilities once again. We simply cannot wait.”
The defending African club champions will be buoyed by Banyana Banyana’s recent exploits in Africa. Their captain Andile Dlamini, defence stalwart Bambanani Mbane and Thalea Smidt were at the forefront as South Africa were crowned women’s champions of the continent.
Meanwhile, Double Action and Olympique de Moroni will face off in the Bronze medal match today.
The CAF Women’s Champions League is set to take place in Morocco later this year.