The Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies made history as they prepared to compete in the prestigious Women’s Cup in Kansas City, United States. Now in its third edition, the Women’s Cup has quickly established itself as the leading invitational tournament in women’s soccer, bringing together some of the world’s top teams for a showcase of talent and competition. This year’s edition features an impressive lineup, including Atletico de Madrid from Spain, Kobe from Japan, and the hosts, Kansas City Current, alongside South Africa’s very own Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies. 

This invitation marks a significant milestone for the Sundowns Ladies, as they continue to make waves on the global stage. Their participation in this tournament not only highlights their status as one of Africa’s premier women’s soccer teams but also provides them with an opportunity to compete against elite international opposition. As the tournament approaches, excitement is building, with fans eagerly anticipating how the South African champions will fare against some of the best teams in the world. The Women’s Cup promises to be a thrilling competition, and the inclusion of the Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies adds an exciting dimension to this prestigious event. 

Coach Jerry Tshabalala had expressed his enthusiasm ahead of the highly anticipated four-team Women’s Cup tournament, emphasising the invaluable opportunity it presents for the Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies. “We are so excited to be here to learn a lot from different teams with different playing styles,” Tshabalala remarked, highlighting the significance of facing international opponents. Despite their status as African Champions, the team views this tournament as a chance to test themselves on a global stage, where they can gain valuable experience and measure their abilities against some of the best teams in the world.

Tshabalala’s focus extends beyond just winning; he is determined to use this platform to showcase the talent within the Sundowns Ladies squad and to represent Africa with pride. “Our focus is on showcasing our talent, growing as a team, and representing Africa with pride,” he stated, underscoring the broader mission of the team. The coach sees the tournament as an incredible opportunity for his players to learn, adapt, and elevate their game to the next level. 

The Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies team is set to make history as the first African club to be invited to the prestigious Women’s Cup in the United States, marking a groundbreaking moment for African women’s soccer. This incredible opportunity, facilitated through the club’s consultancy partnership with the globally renowned Roc Nation Sports International, showcases the rising prominence of the Sundowns Ladies on the world stage. Their participation not only highlights their exceptional talent but also underscores the growing recognition of African football in the global arena. As they prepare to compete against top teams from around the world, the Sundowns Ladies are ready to carry the pride of a continent, showing the world what African champions are made of.

In their first-ever appearance at the 2024 Women’s Cup, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies faced a tough challenge, suffering a 3-0 defeat against hosts Kansas City Current. The Brazilians, who are not accustomed to losing, found themselves on the wrong side of the scoreline at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, in the early hours of Thursday morning, 15 August 2024 (CAT time). The match highlighted the steep competition they were up against, as they struggled to find their rhythm against a formidable opponent.

Kansas City Current wasted no time asserting their dominance, scoring all three goals in the first half and leaving the Sundowns Ladies with an uphill battle. The early goals put the South African champions under immense pressure, and despite their efforts, they were unable to break down the solid defense of the USA’s National Women’s Soccer League team. The result served as a stark reminder of the level of competition on the global stage and the challenges that come with facing top-tier international teams.

Despite their challenging start at the 2024 Women’s Cup, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies still have an opportunity to claim some silverware as they gear up for the bronze medal match. On Saturday, 17 August 2024, the Brazilians will face off against Japan’s Inac Kobe Leonessa, offering them a chance to redeem themselves and finish the tournament on a high note. This match presents an exciting opportunity for Sundowns Ladies to showcase their resilience and determination, as they go head-to-head with one of Asia’s top teams. 

With pride and a medal on the line, the South African champions are expected to bring their best to the field, aiming to secure a victory that would underscore their status as one of Africa’s premier women’s soccer teams. This encounter will be crucial not just for the possibility of a podium finish, but also for the valuable experience it offers in competing against world-class opponents, further preparing them for future international challenges.

As the Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies prepare for their final showdown against Inac Kobe Leonessa, the bronze medal match will be a true test of their character and resolve. Although their journey at the 2024 Women’s Cup has been marked by a challenging debut, the opportunity to finish on the podium remains within their grasp. A victory in this match would not only bring pride to the team and their supporters but also serve as a testament to the progress they have made on the global stage. The Sundowns Ladies have already made history by being the first African team invited to this prestigious tournament, and a strong finish would further solidify their standing as trailblazers in African women’s soccer.

Regardless of the outcome, this experience will undoubtedly contribute to the growth and development of the Sundowns Ladies as they continue to compete at the highest levels of the sport. The lessons learned from facing top-tier international competition will be invaluable as they return to their domestic league and prepare for future tournaments. With their sights set on continued success, the Sundowns Ladies have proven that they belong among the elite, and their journey at the Women’s Cup will be remembered as a significant milestone in their ongoing quest for greatness.