The Queens of the Continent at trainingART OF ATTACK:
SUNDOWNS LADIES DISCUSS THEIR CRAFT IN GOAL SCORING
Over the last three years, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies have exhibited an outstanding goal-scoring prowess, bagging an impressive 386 goals across all competitions and maintaining a remarkable average of 3.42 goals per game since 2021. This extraordinary feat aligns with Sir Alex Ferguson’s timeless adage, “Attack wins you games, defense wins titles.”Khunjolwa MaliBanyana Ba Style’s commitment to this philosophy has yielded two trebles in the past three seasons. Coach Jerry Tshabalala acknowledges the inherent risk in this attacking style but emphasizes that it’s a risk his team is always willing to take.
“Our attacking philosophy has been constant since as far back as 2012. When we attack, we throw numbers into the box, providing us with a lot of options. It is a risky approach, but we are always willing to take that risk. In life, if you don’t take risks, you do not unlock your full potential or achieve great success. We understand the delicate balance between caution and boldness, yet our team thrives on pushing boundaries and seizing opportunities,” explained the two-time treble-winning coach.
Mamelodi Sundowns LadiesSince the COVID-19 pandemic, Coach Jerry’s team has been in goal-banging mode. The Brazilians scored 113 goals during the 2021 season, with 87 coming in the Hollywoodbets Super League, 22 in the CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA Qualifiers and four in the CAF Women’s Champions League tournament as the team wrapped up a stunning treble.
The following year, the Chloorkop-based side bagged 147 goals in the three competitions, with 126 in the league, nine in the COSAFA tournament and 12 in the CAF Champions League. The team poured in another 126 goals last season as they clinched the treble again, scoring 95 in the league, 21 in COSAFA and 10 in the CAF tournament.
When questioned about his favorite goal from recent times, Coach Jerry took a moment to ponder.

“To be honest, there are too many to count, but one that still amazes me is the semifinal goal scored against Simba Queens in the 2022 CAF Women’s Champions League by Boitumelo Rabale. I appreciate that goal because of the numerous passes leading to it. I still consider it one of the best goals we’ve scored in recent times.”

When asked about the coaches who inspire him, Coach Jerry mentioned, “I hold the utmost respect for Vicente del Bosque, Marcelo Bielsa and Pep Guardiola. They share a common belief in keeping possession not for the sake of it, but for creating and scoring goals.”
Miche MinniesMelinda Kgadiete who joined the club in 2021 has become one of Coach Tshabalala’s trusted attacking weapons and was instrumental in the Club’s two trebles in three seasons. The 31-year-old forward is also the first player to score in three different CAF Women’s Champions League editions.

Melinda highlighted her favorite goal scored in recent times, as well as the striker who inspires her the most.

“I was thrilled with the header against SC Casablanca. It was the goal that sealed our place in the semi-final of the 2023 CAF Women’s Champions League. I also have immense respect for Dimitar Berbatov because of his football intelligence, composure on the ball, ability to be in good positions and his proficiency as a finisher,” Kgadiete stated.

Boitumelo Rabale, who also joined Chloorkop in 2021, has relished her time with the two-time treble winners. Despite not being a traditional striker, the Mosotho forward has showcased incredible consistency, earning her the titles of Best Player of the 2023 CAF Women’s Champions League and Hollywoodbets Super League Player of the Season in the past two seasons.
Karabo Makhurubetshi and Lerato KgasagoThe sharp-shooting forward shared the secret to her goal-scoring consistency and mentioned the player who has inspired her the most.

“I am well aware that I am not a traditional striker, as I like to dictate play from the midfield, but I work very hard in training to ensure that I am in the starting lineup. I have this belief that if I want the team to win, I have to score in every game. Hlompho Kekana is one legend who has inspired me because most of his goals were incredible and from long range,” Rabale stated.

In the latest women's football rankings by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS), Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies are among the top 20 clubs in the world. The Brazilians are ranked 19th in the latest list released by the statistics organization, making them the only African team to crack the top fifty. Their closest competitors, Sporting Casablanca, sit at 59th.
Tiisetso Makhubela and Kholosa BiyanaAs the team readies to defend their three titles in 2024, Coach Jerry Tshabalala will be aiming to amplify their legacy of dominance. Every goal in the upcoming season will shape the narrative of success, contributing to excellence on both local and continental fronts.