Sundowns Ladies’ New Additions Off to a Flying Start

SUNDOWNS LADIES'

NEW ADDITIONS OFF TO A FLYING START

Author: John Aliu

After a dominant 2023 season where they swept all competitions, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies bolstered their squad ahead of the 2024 kickoff. They secured the signings of Nthabiseng Majiya from Richmond United, Cimone Sauls from JVW FC and Asanda Hadebe from Sasol League Club Sunflower FC.

As the popular saying goes, “young blood runs hot,” all three have dazzled like fiery talents in their first few months at Chloorkop.

Majiya etched her way into the headlines immediately by finding the back of the net in her debut start for the Brazilians in their 4-0 win over Royal AM in their Hollywoodbets Super League opener. A smashing brace followed in her second game against TS Galaxy Queens, and she has not looked back since then, with 8 goals in her first 10 appearances.

Cimone Sauls has also enjoyed a flourishing start to her Masandawana career and has credited her seamless transition to the supportive atmosphere of the dressing room.

“Every day has been an opportunity for me to better myself and learn from the senior players. I enjoy the training as it always requires you to do your best and push yourself, which is a challenge. The vibe in the dressing room is amazing! Everyone is always so happy. Singing is an important part of the change room; it brings the team together and motivates us for the game ahead.”

Sauls was nominated for the 2022 Young Player of the Season award two years ago, an award Majiya eventually won. The 19-year-old was also named Defender of the Year in 2022.

Cimone bagged her first goal in Sundowns Ladies colours in the 2-0 win over UJ FC during the third round of the Hollywoodbets Super League, “It was a milestone for me that I will never forget. I cannot even describe how I felt when the ball hit the back of the net, but I was just so happy to have contributed to the team’s success. Thanks to my teammates for the support so far.”

Sauls also praised the level of competition and outlined her objectives for the remainder of the season, “The level of competition at the Club is really tough because every single player wants to play and prove that they are worthy of being in the team or the lineup. For me, I want to learn as much as possible from these players and grow as a player. I am very excited and look forward to the remainder of the season as well as the competitions we will be participating in. I am determined to give my all to help the team retain the titles won last year.”

Youngster Asanda Hadebe, who has also proved formidable since joining the Continental Champions, has described what the first few months have been like for her.

“I have loved every minute of it here. Although I struggled a little bit to adapt to the new environment, the players welcomed me with open arms, which made it even easier since I already knew most of them from the national team. They all made me feel right at home, even the coaches. The dressing room is fun — the singing, the atmosphere, it is all great!”

The Hammarsdale—born defender put in an impressive performance on debut as Banyana Ba Style hammered Lindelani Ladies 7-0. Things got even better in the next game against Richmond United as she scored in the 5-0 away win at De Aar Merino Park Stadium. The highly-rated youngster also scored in the recent 7-1 over City Lads.
Hadebe further expressed her delight with her performances thus far and her expectations for the rest of the season.

“Scoring my first Sundowns Ladies goal was a thrilling moment. Thanks to teamwork and God’s grace. I am super excited for the rest of the season as we are in top form in the league. I am also looking forward to playing in the CAF Women’s Champions League and the Women’s Cup for the first time,” Asanda concluded.

With the acquisitions of young talents like Hadebe (21 years), Majiya (20 years) and Cimone (20 years), Masandawana has once again demonstrated its eagle-eyed commitment to both present success and long-term development.

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