By Dwight Sekgoro
Fighting for a spot in the Hollywood Bets Super League, Richmond United Ladies Football Club from De Aar played against Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club based in Pretoria. The match occurred on 3 June at 3 pm at the Sol Plaatje University Sports Precinct.
Due to a lack of facilities in De Aar Richmond, United Ladies used Sol Plaatje University Sports Precinct as their home ground. It was a lively match, with both teams boasting many supporters.
It was a spectacular sight filled with exhilarating moments when Sundown’s superior attacking prowess and tactical astuteness proved too much for their opponents, securing a well-deserved 3-1 victory.
Right from the kickoff, Mamelodi Sundowns FC displayed their intent to take control of the match. Their relentless attacking pressure and precise passing soon bore fruit as they broke the deadlock in the 24th minute by Melinda Kgadiete.
Richmond United Ladies’ inability to play from the back and resorting to route one football when in possession put the home team under pressure. The early goal provided Mamelodi Sundowns FC with a much-needed confidence boost and set the tone for the rest of the half. Richmond held its own defensively as their goalkeeper and backline remained resolute the rest of the 1st half and not conceding another goal, despite efforts from “Yellow Nation.”
Buoyed by their early advantage, Mamelodi Sundowns FC continued to dictate the game’s tempo. Melinda Kgadiete’s midfield work and Chuene Morifi’s wing work controlled the proceedings, distributing accurate passes and constantly creating opportunities for their forwards. Richmond United’s Ladies struggled to cope with the relentless pressure exerted by the Sundowns’ attacking line-up as the defending champions showcased their class and experience.
The pressure paid off once again for Mamelodi Sundowns FC in the 49th minute when Chuene Morifi doubled their lead with a blunder by Richmond’s defender Dimakatso Seithleko.
Richmond United returned from the deficit determined to turn the tide in their favor. They made tactical adjustments, showing more urgency and attacking intent. Their efforts were rewarded in the 68th minute when a swift counter-attack caught the Mamelodi Sundowns FC defense off guard. Mpho Bloem, a prolific midfielder for Richmond United, made no mistake when she found the back of the net, reducing the deficit to 2-1.
Despite the resurgence from Richmond United Ladies, Mamelodi Sundowns FC weathered the storm and regained control of the match. In the 75th minute, Refilwe Tholakele, who displayed brilliance, gently slotted the ball into the net to extend the lead to 3-1.
The Hollywood Bets Super League is South Africa’s premier women’s football league, formed in 2019 and comprises 16 teams that won promotion from their respective Sasol Women’s League Provincial streams. The League champion earns an automatic entry into the CAF Women’s Champions League and R2 million rands in prize money.
Comments are closed.