Mamelodi Sundowns ladies prove why they are the 'Queens' of South African football

Mamelodi Sundowns’ Ladies team are exactly the outfit they believe themselves to be, and that’s why they deserve to be given their flowers while they can still smell them.

Sundowns are yet to be officially crowned the reigning Hollywoodbets Super League champions this season, but I think we can all agree that it’s just a matter of time. Their position at the top of the log with a five-point lead and a game in hand is no fluke.

And that’s not all. They know how to raise the stakes and hit top gear during crunch time. After all, they are the undisputed champions of the land, having won the title every season since the league was launched in 2019/20.

Of course, it’s well documented that their success is partly due to the deep pockets of the club, led by president Patrice Motsepe, who has since stepped back from his role at Sundowns to head CAF.

But be that as it may, credit must still go to the team - the technical staff and the players. After all, they, not the club’s board, plan and prepare for the matches. The rest simply follow.

And perhaps, credit is also due to coach Godfrey Sapula and his backroom staff. I’m sure it hasn’t been easy. The constant comparisons to his predecessor, Jerry Tshabalala - who achieved massive success at the club, including winning two Women’s Champions League titles - must have stung.

However, Sapula seems to have used that as motivation. A hard-nosed midfielder during his heyday before hanging up his boots in 2010, Sapula was never bullied on the pitch. And that’s why he didn’t fear any opponent - a relentless approach that earned him the 2006/07 Footballer of the Season award.

No man adapts instantly to a new environment, and Sapula is no exception. So much so that, in his early days, it seemed Sundowns may have shot themselves in the foot by releasing Tshabalala - though the allegations of sexual misconduct levelled against him were simply unforgivable.

Sapula’s team didn’t start the season convincingly, losing matches that Tshabalala might have won in his sleep. They even failed to qualify for the Women’s Champions League - a first for a club that were crowned the maiden queens of African football.

But since that disappointment on home soil, the Brazilians have dusted themselves off and reminded everyone why they are the undisputed queens of the land.

Perhaps that is the real secret behind their success: champions are not defined by setbacks but by their ability to rise stronger and reclaim their position at the top.

Sundowns are largely made up of Banyana Banyana internationals, and that works to the advantage of both the team and the club.

The likes of Lebohang Ramalepe, Andile Dlamini, Bambanani Mbane, Kholosa Biyana, Noxolo Cesane and Karabo Dhlamini have weathered storms in both their personal lives and careers, and it’s perhaps for that reason that they are not easily intimidated.

I must also say that TS Galaxy have risen to the task this season. They’re showing signs of being a well-run, administratively sound team, especially after signing Banyana captain Refiloe Jane and Leandra Smeda, who leads the scoring charts with 22 goals - a remarkable seven ahead of Bonolo Mokoma of Janine van Wyk Ladies.

This is further proof that Sundowns will likely continue to dominate the league regardless of which personnel leave or join the club. Their long-time title rivals, the University of the Western Cape, have fallen by the wayside, with the departures of key figures finally catching up to them.

And so, I repeat: It’s not done yet, but surely Sapula and her ladies can put the champagne on ice, as they edge ever closer to dominating the land once again - a feat that should make the rest of their competitors, including those onlookers from Soweto, to take note.

*You can also catch Mihlali Baleka on Umhlobo Wenene’s sports show - Ezemidlalo with Putco Mafani - on Mondays, discussing everything related to women’s football.