Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, the reigning champions of the CAF Women’s Champions League, are returning home with renewed determination after a challenging international tournament in Kansas City, USA.
Despite not participating in the ongoing COSAFA zonal qualifiers in Malawi, the two-time African champions tested their mettle against top international clubs, setting the stage for their title defense later this year.
The South African giants faced tough competition at the Women’s Cup, where they were invited to compete against Kansas City Current (USA) and INAC Kobe FC (Japan).
Sundowns suffered a 3-0 defeat to the hosts, followed by a 2-0 loss to INAC Kobe FC, ending their campaign on a challenging note. However, the experience has provided valuable insights and growth opportunities for the team.
Coach Jerry Tshabalala emphasized the importance of these matches in pushing his team beyond their comfort zone, highlighting both their strengths and areas needing improvement.
“Playing against Kansas City Current and INAC Kobe was a game-changer for us,” Tshabalala noted.
“It pushed us beyond our comfort zone and showed us where we needed to improve, particularly in our defensive organization. The pace and precision of our opponents exposed gaps that we need to address if we are to maintain our dominance back home and on the continent.”
Tshabalala expressed optimism that the challenging experience will only fuel their passion to compete at the highest level. He added that such exposure is crucial for their growth and for keeping pace with top teams globally.
“Competing against high-caliber opponents is crucial for our growth,” Tshabalala said. “These experiences not only challenge us but also inspire us to elevate our game and continue improving.”
With the international tournament behind them, Sundowns Ladies will now focus on their domestic campaign, fine-tuning their strategies as they prepare to defend their CAF Women’s Champions League title.
The team clinched their second continental title last season, defeating Morocco’s SC Casablanca 3-0 in the final held in Côte d’Ivoire.
As they look ahead to the upcoming Champions League, Sundowns Ladies are poised to leverage their recent experiences to further cement their position as Africa’s top women’s football team.
