Tshabalala wary of ‘tricky’ COSAFA Zonal Qualifier opponents

Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies learned their fate in Hollywoodbets COSAFA Women’s Champions League 2022 zonal qualifiers set to take place in Durban from 7-13 August.

The Brazilians are drawn in Group A with Costa Do Sol of Mozambique and Botswana’s Double Action Ladies.

The winner of each group will advance to the final, with the second-placed teams facing each other for a bronze medal.

The champions will cruise their way to the 2022 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Champions League scheduled for Morocco later this year.

However, Banyana Ba Style mentor Jerry Tshabalala reckons that they are drawn into a “tricky” group with debutants Costa Do Sol.

“This is a very tricky draw for us because we find ourselves in a group that has a debutant from Mozambique. We have never had a chance to assess their strengths, and they will be our opponents in the first game. We have to rely on our strengths as a team because we believe in our philosophy and playing style that has earned us great success over the years,” Tshabalala told Masandawana’s media.

‘Kappa’ further stated that they are not expecting an easy win against Double Action. Downs Ladies thrashed the Botswana side 6-0 in last year’s group stage qualifiers

“Yes, we came out on top last year against our opponents, but they may have changed a number of their personnel and players. I believe they have bolstered their team, and I expect a different squad this time around,” he added.

“We are not going to be complacent because we plan to work hard and treat each game as a final. Defending our titles is the priority, and we are ready for it.”

Meanwhile, the club’s vice-captain Karabo Makhurubetshi is content that history will repeat itself “despite the tricky nature of the opposition.”

“I don’t believe that the tournament will be an easy one considering that the top two teams are the ones who will advance to the finals. There is no room for complacency; hence dropping points is not an option. We have raised the bar, and we cannot afford to drop the ball at the competition. Our goal this season is to defend our trophies,” Makhurubetshi explained.

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