Timmy T Maranda
Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies got their title defence off to a good start following a 4-0 win over Golden Ladies FC on Saturday at the Groenkloof Stadium in Pretoria.
Goals from Morifi Chuene, Lehlogonolo Mashigo and a brace by Bongiwe Thusi secured the victory for them in the season opener.
Downs’ victory over Golden Ladies moves them to second on the table behind early pace-setters and league debutants JVW FC, after their victory over Ma-Indies at the Thohoyandou Stadium.
Last year, the now-defending champions clinched the maiden SAFA Women’s National League, without facing any defeats, in a season disrupted by Covid-19.
Sundowns coach Jerry Tshabalala expressed his excitement with a clean sheet and a win but bemoaned his team’s poor finishing in front of goal.
“I am happy for three points but I am not fairly happy, I am worried we are missing a lot of chances and we need to work on our finishing,” said Tshabalala.
“I don’t want to put pressure on my girls, taking into account it’s our first game, but it’s a work in progress, we will go train and work on it,” the coach added.
He concluded, “I think the score is not a true reflection of the game, we should have put 10 past them. I am also happy that we didn’t concede a single goal.”
In their next match, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies FC will face Durban Ladies on Saturday at the Princess Magogo Stadium in Kwamashu, kick-off 15h00.
Other SWNL results:
Ma-Indies 1-5 JVW FC
Richmond United 3-6 First Touch FC
Tsunami Queens FC 4-1 Coal City Wizards
TUT Football Club 2-2 UWC FC
University of UJ 1-1 Bloemfontein Celtic FC
Thunderbirds Ladies 2-0 Durban Ladies FC
Picture source: @Futaa.com
