By Michael Madyira
Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies are set to compete on the global stage in the Women’s Cup in the United States.
The team, known as the Brazilians, is in Kansas, where they will face hosts Kansas City Current, Atletico Madrid, and the Japanese side Kobe in the tournament, which runs from 14 to 17 August.
This is a historic moment for Sundowns Ladies; they are the first African team to take part in this four-team tournament.
They will kick off their campaign against Kansas City at CPKC Stadium on Thursday.
“We’ve had the chance to watch some of Kansas City’s games, and they play a style similar to ours,” said Sundowns coach Jerry Tshabalala.
“We need to be at our best against them, but we’re also focused on our own strengths. We’re here to showcase African football and show why we’re the African champions. My job as a coach is to keep the players calm and help them not get overwhelmed by the big stage.”
Having dominated domestic football and won the African championship twice in the last three seasons, Sundowns Ladies now face a new challenge in the US against top teams from Europe and Asia.
“This tournament is important not just for Sundowns Ladies and South Africa but also for younger players who will be inspired by our performance,” Tshabalala added.
“They might see this and think, ‘I need to take my career seriously – one day, I could be playing on a global stage.’ We want to leave a mark and serve as motivation for aspiring footballers.”
If Sundowns Ladies win their match against Kansas City on Thursday, they will advance to the Championship Title game on Saturday.
If they lose, they will play in the third-place match.
Pictured above: Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies players training in the US, preparing for their match against Kansas City Current.
Source: Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies
