Dlamini: This Will Test Us

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By Malose Wa Ga Lamola Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies goalkeeper, Andile Dlamini, takes ShakingInk into the Chloorkop based outfit camp. Banyana Ba Style are sitting at the summit of the Hollywoodbets Super League log standings and have their eyes glued to the ultimate price- the domestic league title. Their fourth league title on the spin remains possible, but not without a challenge. With the University of the Western Cape and University of Johannesburg mounting the pressure on Sundowns, Dlamini insists that, Sundowns knows the stage and have danced to this beat before. The CAF championship winning side has been included in the Women's Cup where they'll test their fabric against those of best teams in the world. The multi-award winning goalkeeper says, Sundowns, has what it takes to compete at the highest level of the game. The Brazilians have to negotiate their way to the podium with one of the league's powerhouses, in University of Western Cape. Sundowns will host a stubborn University of Western Cape in what has been dubbed a title decider. Dlamini believes her team has what it takes to edge the university side. A star studded Sundowns is armed to the teeth, but so is their opposite side. Sticks as Dlamini is affectionately known in football circles, is convinced that the University of Western Cape neat numbers are not a fluke, but a true reflection of their performances. Sundowns sole defeat this season was in the hands of the University of Western Cape. Despite having lost to University of Western Cape already, Dlamini remains a believer and practitioner of her faith, as she puts her faith in her team. A saint with solid principles. Dlamini believes Jerry Tshabalala charges will pull through and bag maximum points as they seek to keep their closest competitors at bay. Dlamini shuts her eyes, like she search for intervention from higher powers, before she grins in confidence. "It is not the first time the gap is not huge between us and our opponents. Remember, when we first went to play in the Champions League, the gap was not that big. They [UWC] just dropped points while we were away. It is possible [to defend their title] because, everything is possible when you put your mind to it. You have to fight and maintain your spot, not only in football, but life in general. But, you need to work extremely hard all the time. So, I believe it is possible, if we set our minds to it and apply everything that the coaches demand of us in that particular game. Because, all games are different. Anything is possible and I believe if we continue working hard, with the same team spirit and willingness to go extra mile, it is possible." Said Dlamini. Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies will be heading to the United States of America to take part in the Women's Cup. A tournament that will put them against best teams on a global stage. Though, Sundowns will be making their debut appearance at the tournament, but The Brazilians are not newbies at international tournaments. The Jerry Tshabalala led side has conquered the continent twice already. Having clinched the Women's Champions League title in 2021 and 2023 respectively. These are uncharted waters for the South African side. Dlamini says Sundowns is ready to battle against best players at the tournament. "Going to play in USA will be the biggest dream of each and every girl in our team, because everyone wants to go and play against teams outside South Africa. I think going there will help us gain more experience. We going to experience different cultures and playing styles. It is going to be a plus to us because we are going to play at the highest level in women's football. This will make us even better when we come and compete in the league. It will help us grow individually and as a team. There is always motivation just to go and play outside South Africa and representing the country. It will also help the growth of women's football in South Africa and Africa as a whole. I don't see the trip to the USA affecting us [in their quest to defend their domestic title], but I see it grooming us, helping us to become better athletes and to gauge our level - to see where we are." @Lamola_Herold

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