Blue Birds Ladies FC continue to show their evolution into a genuine threat for the Sasol Women’s League’s top contenders Mamelodi Sundowns.

Once prone to heavy defeats against the defending champions, the Alex-based side showed that they are closing the gap rapidly during their recent clash at the Alex Safe Hub on June 13.

Sundowns, encouraged by their commanding 85-point title-winning campaign last season, started the game well. They exploited Blue Birds’ sluggish start, with striker Lebogang Buthane scoring a first-half hat-trick to establish a 3–0 lead.

Read more: Premier Soccer League’s legendary photographer dies

The visitors looked set for a comfortable victory as their attacking play repeatedly tested the home defence, yet the second half told a different story. Blue Birds came out all fired up and immediately put Sundowns under pressure. In one of their noteworthy moments, their well-delivered free-kick caused chaos in the Sundowns box, deflecting off the keeper’s hands for captain Tshiamo Segwatle to pounce and reduce the deficit.

Moments later, Bangile Mnguni capitalised on a defensive lapse to slot home, narrowing the score to 3–2.
Sundowns steadied themselves when Sphesihle Magazi restored a two-goal lead at 4–2, yet Blue Birds’ substitute Pearl Khumalo came off the bench to slot one late, pulling it back to 4–3 and raising hopes of securing an equaliser.

The home side pushed hard in the dying minutes, but time ran out before they could complete the turnaround.

Coach Malvin Khumalo was proud of the fight, despite the poor opening 45 minutes. “When we finally got into our game, it was already 3–0, but we kept on trying to do what we do. I have confidence that this team is going to be a better team.”

Also read: New soccer competition for Alex schools launches

He pointed to the progress from previous heavy defeats against Sundowns, including a 0–5 thrashing and a narrow 2–3 loss last season. He said, ahead of the game he emphasised the need for mental fortitude and self-belief, highlighting the squad’s wealth of talent. “We have an amazingly talented team with a lot of quality players.

They just need to believe in themselves. There’s nothing special about Sundowns, besides that they are applying the right things. We just need to apply our right things. If we both apply what we train, then we can get decent results.”

The result leaves Sundowns victorious, but under no illusion that Blue Birds remain easy prey.

Follow us on our WhatsApp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates!