Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies returned home to a hero’s welcome when they arrived at the OR Tambo International Airport.
The African champs arrived an hour late, however that did not dampen the spirit of hundreds of Masandawana faithful who welcomed them at the airport.
Sundowns Ladies were once again crowned champions of African football, after registering a 3-0 win over Moroccan side Sporting Club Casablanca in Sunday’s entertaining CAF Women’s Champions League final.
In a packed Stade Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium in Korhogo, Sundowns reclaimed the CAF title they won in 2021, during the inaugural edition of the tournament.
A brace courtesy of Refilwe Tholakele and a 24th minute goal by Boitumelo Rabale was enough for Jerry Tshabalala’s charges to reclaim the trophy they first won in 2021.
Tshabalala, revealed that the success in the club is due to the unity among the players.
“I would say the only key to success is only two things. The hard work that has been put behind the scenes at training with the girls, one other thing is unity among the team the team is very united, and no one can break that,” said Tshabalala.
Team captain Zanele Nhlapho roared “Siyilandile” which translates to we fetched it, as she entered the airport terminal, holding the trophy in the air.
The two-time CAF Women’s Champions League winners did not only enjoy a clean sweep at this year’s tournament they also won a whopping $400 000 [R 7 337 268,00] prize money.
On top of those winnings, the club also received the Fair Play award after picking up the least bookings at the tournament.
Ka bo Yellow are chasing a second treble in two seasons, having already won the Cosafa Women’s Champions League and the continent’s main prize, the Champions League.
Sundowns Ladies made a clean sweep at the individual awards.
INDIVIDUAL AWARD WINNERS:
Fair Play Team of the Tournament: Mamelodi Sundowns
Top goal scorer of the tournament: Tholakele Refilwe (5 Goals)
Goalkeeper of the tournament: Andile Dlamini-Sundowns
Best player of the tournament: Boitumelo Rabale
Tshabalala and his side returned to training on Wednesday to prepare for their Hollywoodbets Super League campaign.
They currently find themselves six points behind log-leaders University of the Western Cape, however, have three games in hand.
