Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies — The Dynasty That Made Excellence Look Routine

Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, the CAF Women’s Champions League and South African women’s football are the focus of this episode of Why We Love This Club, exploring how Banyana Ba Style became Africa’s defining women’s club dynasty.

Founded in 2009 under Mamelodi Sundowns owner Patrice Motsepe, the team has won eight South African championships and captured the CAF Women’s Champions League in 2021 and 2023. Chris traces the rise built under longtime coach Jerry Tshabalala, including the inaugural continental title, extraordinary domestic scoring records and the development of an elite football environment at the club’s Chloorkop training complex.

The episode features key figures including Andile Dlamini, Bambanani Mbane, Boitumelo Rabale, Refilwe Tholakele, Noxolo Cesane and Nthabiseng Majiya, while examining Sundowns’ growing rivalry with Morocco’s AS FAR.

Chris also explores the competitive advantages created by Sundowns’ resources, the rapid professionalization of African women’s football, their influence on Banyana Banyana, and the challenge of maintaining dominance as clubs across Africa raise their standards.

It’s the story of how Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies helped make excellence in African women’s club football feel normal. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Check out the show's website for an interactive map with all current teams, and suggest a club.

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