Red-hot Sundowns Ladies Prepare for Midweek UJ Showdown

Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies are gearing up for another important Hollywoodbets Super League showdown as they host the University of Johannesburg (UJ) at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.

The Brazilians, fresh off a spectacular 7–0 victory over Durban Ladies, are aiming to extend their winning run to 12 matches while staying mindful of the tactical and physical challenges posed by a well-structured UJ side.

Defender Thato Letsoso, who previously represented UJ, shared her reflections on the team’s mindset ahead of the midweek clash.

“We always feel like there is room for improvement, and that keeps us grounded. Even when we win convincingly, we look at the match again and analyze what we could have done better — whether it is our defensive shape, our decision-making in the final third, or our transitions. That hunger to refine every detail is what drives us as a team and keeps us from becoming complacent.”

Letsoso also emphasized the team’s long-term goals, “The team has clear goals and objectives, and those goals ensure we do not lose focus. Every session and every match is linked to what we want to achieve as a collective. We treat each game like a cup final because we understand that consistency is the difference between a good team and a great one. That mentality has carried us through tough fixtures, and it will continue to guide us.”

Midfielder Katleho Malebana explained how the team is managing confidence and expectations following the big win against Durban Ladies.

“The 7–0 victory definitely lifted the spirits of the group. But as a team, we have spoken openly about staying humble and level-headed. Confidence is good, but it must be controlled. UJ is a very organised side, and they do not give you many chances. So the focus is to approach this match with a fresh mindset, understanding that what happened last weekend does not automatically carry into this one.”

Breaking down the tactical demands for the upcoming game, she added, “UJ play with a lot of intensity and structure, especially in transition. They can go from defence to attack very quickly, so we need to be disciplined in possession and intelligent with how we move the ball. Quick combinations, patience around their defensive block, and good communication will be crucial. Defensively, we want to stay compact and make sure we control the tempo.”

A few weeks ago, Banyana Ba Style also defeated UJ 5–0 in a dominant display, with goals coming from Isabella Ludwig, who scored a hat-trick, Refilwe Tholakele, and Lelona Daweti.

The game between Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies and University of Johannesburg will take place at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Wednesday, 12 November 2025, at 15H00.