Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies are proving that championships are not won by individuals, but by squads united by a common purpose.
The Brazilians continued their impressive COSAFA Women’s Champions League Qualifier campaign with a commanding 3–0 victory over Malawi’s Silver Strikers in Gaborone, securing their second consecutive Group B win and taking another significant step towards a return to the CAF Women’s Champions League.
After an emphatic 8–0 triumph over Eswatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs in their opening fixture, Sundowns faced a sterner challenge against Silver Strikers. Karabo Dhlamini struck twice in the opening 18 minutes before Isabella Ludwig added a third shortly after half-time to seal another convincing victory.
While the result highlighted Sundowns’ quality, head coach Godfrey Sapula believes the foundation of the team’s success lies in careful preparation, squad depth and an unwavering spirit of togetherness.
With several players having recently returned from national team duties at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Sapula and his technical team had already anticipated the need to rely on the full strength of the squad.
“I think we give credit to the preparations,” said Sapula.
“We knew that when we had players going to AFCON, we needed to prepare very well with the other players so that when we need to refresh the team, we have players that are also ready, as what happened today with the new fresh starting eleven.”
Despite changes to the lineup, Sundowns remained dominant, a reflection of the depth that has become a hallmark of the club.
“But the team was still strong. We were able to play strong and make the mark,” Sapula added.
For the Sundowns coach, however, the biggest reason behind the team’s performances is not only quality, but the spirit within the squad.
“So it talks about the team spirit, the unity, players really fighting for each other. The spirit is really good.”
That collective mentality has already helped Sundowns achieve one of their key objectives — progressing beyond the group stage — but Sapula insists that there is still much work to be done.
“For us, the first objective, obviously, achieved, which is to win all the three games in the group to move to the next stage,” he said.
“But we take this with humility, and we have to keep our feet on the ground and make sure that we still prepare for the semi-final, because it’s just one part achieved.”
The next challenge will be a formidable one. Sundowns are set to face hosts and defending champions Harmony in the semi-finals, a match that will determine who moves one step closer to representing the COSAFA region at the CAF Women’s Champions League.
Sapula is fully aware of the challenge ahead.
“This is a CAF Champions League qualifier in the COSAFA region, so it means you have to beat the best if you want to be the one representing the region at the CAF Women’s Champions League.”
He has great respect for Harmony’s achievements, but remains equally confident in his own team’s ambitions.
“We give respect to Harmony. They are the defending champions, which means they have the pedigree,” said Sapula.
“But we are also driven by our own ambitions and targets. We want to do well and make sure that we give ourselves a chance.”
For Sundowns Ladies, the mission remains unchanged: stay humble, prepare thoroughly and continue fighting for one another.
The group stage has shown the strength of the squad. The semi-final will test its character.
And under the ‘God Father’ [Sapula], the Brazilians believe they are ready for the challenge.
Written by: Sandile Ndumo
