Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies step into the 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA Qualifiers with a reputation that precedes them. Having lifted the continental crown in 2021 and 2023, and reaching the final in 2022 where they narrowly lost on penalties to Zambia’s Green Buffaloes, Banyana Ba Style remain unbeaten in open play in the regional qualifiers since their debut.
Banyana Banyana and Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies goalkeeper Andile "Sticks" Dlamini knows the weight of expectation on her team’s shoulders. Having already established themselves as a dominant force in women’s football, Sundowns go into the tournament as favorites — but with that comes added pressure.
“We are looking forward to the tournament and we are aware that we’ve made a name for ourselves,” Dlamini said. “This tournament won’t be easy — everyone that plays against us will want to be at their top A-game. We are fully aware of that, and we know what the club, the fans, our families, and obviously us as players want to achieve.”
Back in 2019, Dlamini conceded only two goals on their way to lifting the COSAFA Women’s Championship title, a campaign that also earned her the prestigious Golden Glove award. Fast forward to 2023, she was once again outstanding — keeping two clean sheets in the group stages and finishing the tournament with three shutouts in four matches. The only goal she let in came during the 3-1 semi-final triumph over Green Buffaloes, yet her brilliance throughout the tournament saw her claim the Golden Glove for the second time.
Two-time African champions, they have become a benchmark for women’s football in the Southern African region. Preparation has been intense in the lead-up, with Sundowns balancing the need for sharpness in both attack and defense.
“Training has been going well. We are positive and, God willing, everything goes our way. Hopefully we see ourselves do well so we can qualify for CAF,” Dlamini shared. “I can’t mention the key areas, but just know we are working hard as a team to attack and defend.”
More than just a tournament:
For Dlamini, the COSAFA qualifiers carry meaning beyond the trophy. They represent a gateway to even greater opportunities in women’s football.
“The tournament is the key to a lot of success for every African women football player. Qualifiers for CAF and the Club World Cup 2026 are big deals, and that means a lot,” she explained.
In this year's competition, Sundowns have been drawn in Group A alongside Ntopwa FC (Malawi), Beauties FC (Namibia), and Zambia’s Zesco Ndola Girls, with matches running until 27 August. All games will be broadcast live on FIFA+ and the COSAFA YouTube Channel.
With the growth of women’s football in Southern Africa, Dlamini expects nothing less than tough competition this year.
“I expect all the teams to bring their A-game,” she said. “All teams are tough — and we are too.”
While she avoids direct comparisons between regions, she recognizes the steady progress of the women’s game across the continent.
“I don’t like comparing myself with anyone because all competitions have different preparations, just like all teams have different approaches. But that doesn’t take away the fact that we are improving as African women’s football.”
To date, Sundowns have never lost a match outright at this stage, a record that speaks volumes when looking at their tournament finishes:
2021 – Winners
2022 – Runners-Up
2023 – Winners
2024 – Received bye to continental finals
The CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA Qualifiers take place in Johannesburg, South Africa from August 22-31.
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