“Tall order it was indeed,” remarked Bluebirds coach Malvin Khumalo at the final whistle of their Sasol Women’s Football League game.
Khumalo was commenting on the 5-0 drubbing given to his charges by the defending champions Sundowns Ladies at the Altrek Sports Complex. He had expressed his concerns about the tough assignment in the article Tall order for Bluebirds, week ending 23 May.
A rampant Sundowns strike force had a field day, scoring three goals in the first half and two in the second half. The score line could have been bigger was it not for the numerous heroic saves by Birds keeper, Asa Rabalao.
The first goal came in less than 15 minutes of kick-off from a set piece, the second in the 37th minute and the third two minutes from half time. The fourth goal was scored in less than a minute after the resumption of the match, and the final nail in the coffin 27 minutes later.
Talented Bluebirds and Banyana Banyana striker, Zingawe Phakathi came close to scoring from two set pieces, with one flying above the cross bar and the other safely handled by a well-positioned Sundowns keeper.
Wits student Linah Maphanga of Bluebirds had an excellent game. She played a central midfield role just behind the strikers and was instrumental in most of the attacking and defending play.
Downs coach Jerry Tshabalala was delighted with the star performance from his charges. “I told them in the dressing room to score more goals if we want to defend our crown, as there is a possibility it might be decided on goal difference,” Tshabalala said.
Khumalo admitted his charges had drawn a number of lessons from the game. “We are using our maiden season in the league as a learning curve and this game was one of those lessons,” he added.
GALLER FILLER: Go to www.alexnews.co.za to view more photos in our galleries section of this titanic encounter that Bluebirds had with Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies.
