Banyana Ba Style make history as two-time continental champions
The Brazilians, who won the inaugural title in 2021 and finished as runners-up to the Moroccan side AS FAR in the second edition last year, won all five games at the tournament without conceding a single goal, while scoring 10 in the process.
Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies have once cemented their place as the Queens of African football.
The Tshwane giants registered a 3-0 win over Sporting Club Casablanca in Sunday’s entertaining CAF Women’s Champions League final.
The historic win was achieved at a packed Stade Amadou Gon Coulibaly in Korhogo.
Refilwe Tholakele finished the game with a stunning brace, while Boitumelo Rabale netted once as Banyana Ba Style clinched the continent’s premier women’s tournament for the second time in their history.
The Brazilians, who won the inaugural title in 2021 and finished runners-up to the Moroccan side AS FAR in the second edition last year, won all five games at the tournament without conceding a single goal while scoring 10 in the process.
Coach Jerry Tshabalala, who continues to etch his name into the record books, expressed his delight with his side’s all-around energy and tenacity.
“Honestly, I wasn’t expecting my girls to finish the game with the same intensity with which they began. Somehow, they got even better as the game went on and had plenty of energy towards the end.”
Tshabalala said it all boils down to the team’s training sessions. “We kept them light and not too demanding so the girls could recover as early as possible and that approach worked wonders for us.”
🇿🇦 Your favorite goalkeeper has a message for you! 💌😁 #CAFWCL | #EmpoweringOurGame pic.twitter.com/qnWZNS1D8F
— CAF Women’s Football (@CAFwomen) November 19, 2023
After the game, Sundowns Ladies were presented with several awards.
Tholakele finished the tournament with five goals, earning her the title of Top Scorer of the Tournament.
Rabale was named Best Player of the tournament and also received the Player of the Final Match award, while Andile Dlamini was named Goalkeeper of the tournament.
The club also clinched the Fair-play Team of the tournament award.
“The awards represent so much; it means that the hard work that the team has put in has been rewarded. It is only through determination that we have won them,” Tshabalala said.
He congratulated the team.
“Kudos to everyone within the technical team for a job well done. The awards are an appreciation of top performance and we are excited about them,” the Downs coach added.
𝑪𝑯𝑨𝑴𝑷𝑰𝑶𝑵𝑺 𝑭𝑬𝑬𝑳𝑰𝑵𝑮! 🏆👑@SundownsLadies | #CAFWCL | #EmpoweringOurGame pic.twitter.com/WhWqDRL94k
— CAF Women’s Football (@CAFwomen) November 19, 2023
Coach Tshabalala also emphasised the need for more investment in women’s football on the continent.
“Women’s football is growing in leaps and bounds and if we invest, we will reap the rewards. It is a testament to the talent and dedication of these players that they have achieved so much.”
He added that for the sport to continue thriving, more resources must be allocated, provide better facilities and create more opportunities for women and girls who aspire to excel in football.
“This victory is just the beginning and with the right support, African women’s football can reach even greater heights,” he said adding he is always happy and it rubs off on his players.
“A happy player will always deliver results for the team. I want the team to continue performing well. Our next target is to aim for a (women’s) club world cup and we hope that one day we will have the opportunity to represent Africa as the champions.”
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