Blue Birds Ladies FC coach Malvin Khumalo believes his team is poised for even bigger results after narrowly falling to defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns in the Sasol Women’s League clash.

Speaking after the 3–4 defeat at the Alex Safe Hub on June 13, Khumalo expressed satisfaction with his side’s fighting spirit and growing maturity. “We’re going to achieve even bigger results than this. I am proud that we managed to push it until the end.”

Read more: Blue Birds rises from the ashes

The coach was particularly encouraged by the team’s response after a poor start. “When we finally got into our game, it was already 0–3, but we kept on trying to do what we do. I have confidence that this team is going to be a better team.”

Khumalo pointed to progress from previous encounters against Sundowns, including a 0–5 thrashing and a narrow 2–3 loss last season. He stressed the importance of mental strength, saying his squad possesses the talent to compete at the highest level if they develop self-belief.

“We have an amazingly talented team with a lot of quality players. They just need to believe in themselves.”

Tactically, the coach instructed his players to stay compact and avoid falling into Sundowns’ preferred traps. “They are able to circulate the ball quite well. They will invite you into their own half and if you get invited, then they play the balls into those spaces.

That’s why we did not want to commit there. We wanted them to bring themselves closer to us and then remain compact. We don’t lose our shape. We don’t lose our discipline.”

Also read: Blue Birds show their bite in narrow 3–4 loss to Sundowns

On the field, Sundowns capitalised on Blue Birds’ sluggish opening. Striker Lebogang Buthane delivered a good first-half hat-trick to establish a 3–0 lead, with the champions’ fluent attacking play repeatedly exposing gaps in the home defence.

The second half, however, showcased a transformed Blue Birds side. They came out aggressive and quickly reduced the deficit when a well-delivered free-kick created chaos in the Sundowns box, allowing captain Tshiamo Segwatle to pounce and pull one back.

Bangile Mnguni soon capitalised on a defensive lapse to make it 3–2. Although Sphesihle Magazi restored a 4–2 cushion for the visitors, substitute Pearl Khumalo struck late to set up the 4–3 scoreline and tense finish.

Blue Birds pressed hard for an equaliser in the closing stages but were unable to complete the comeback. The result leaves Sundowns victorious, yet it serves as a strong indication that the Alex-based Blue Birds is rapidly evolving into a genuine threat for the league’s top contenders.

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