Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, the reigning South African league champions, are set to compete in the CAF Women's Champions League in Egypt from November 1 to 15. The team, led by coach Godfrey Sapula, aims to regain the title and prove themselves as one of the top women's football teams in Africa. Sundowns Ladies secured their spot in the tournament by winning the Cosafa Women's Championship in Gaborone, Botswana, in August.
The team has a history of success in the CAF Women's Champions League, having won the title in 2021 and finishing as runners-up in 2023. However, they failed to advance to the knockout stage for the first time in 12 years in the men's team competition. Sundowns Ladies will compete in Group A against FC Masar of Egypt, Lekié Football Filles of Cameroon, and FUS Rabat of Morocco.
Coach Godfrey Sapula expressed his excitement about the team's participation in the tournament, stating that it is a great opportunity for them to test their skills against top teams. He also acknowledged the increased competition in women's football in Africa, with teams becoming more prepared and analyzed. Sapula emphasized that the team's experience as champions will drive them to perform better.
Sundowns Ladies have a strong squad, with players such as Andile Dlamini, Bambanani Mbane, Karabo Dhlamini, Asanda Hadebe, Isabella Ludwig, Noxolo Cesane, Ronnel Donnelly, and Refilwe Tholakele. The team will open their campaign against FC Masar on November 1 at 4 pm, followed by matches against Lekié Football Filles and FUS Rabat.
The CAF Women's Champions League features eight teams divided into two groups of four teams each. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals on November 11, with the final taking place on November 15. The winning team will receive $600,000 (approximately R9.9 million) and the new trophy.
The tournament has a significant prize pool, with the runner-up receiving $400,000 (R6.6 million), the third-place team receiving $350,000 (R5.8 million), and the fourth-place team receiving $300,000 (R4.9 million). Teams that finish third in their groups will receive $200,000 (R3.3 million), while those that finish last will receive $150,000 (R2.5 million).
Sundowns Ladies face stiff competition in Group B, where the defending champions, AS FAR of Morocco, Kawempe Muslim Ladies of Uganda, USFAS Bamako of Mali, and Ampem Darkoa of Ghana are competing. The team's performance in the tournament will be closely watched, as they aim to make a strong impression and bring the title back to South Africa.
Key points
- Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies to compete in CAF Women's Champions League in Egypt
- Team aims to regain title and prove themselves as top women's football team in Africa
- Tournament features eight teams, with a significant prize pool for the winners
