Tshabalala overwhelmed with excitement after Sundowns ladies reach final

Jerry Tshabalala was “overwhelmed with emotion” after guiding Mamelodi Sundowns ladies to the final of the inaugural Caf Women’s Champions League.

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Banyana Ba Style booked their spot in the final of the continental tournament after beating Malabo Kings of Equatorial Guinea 5-4 on penalties in the semi-final, following the sides goalless draw after extra-time at the El Salaam Stadium on Monday.

Head coach of the Pretoria-based team Tshabalala, was overwhelmed by the result, and says his team played very good football compared to the other games in the group phase.

“I don’t know whether I am excited or whatever, but I am happy that we are in the final. Football is bad, I am not sure if I should say football is cruel. You look at our performance today (Monday) compared to the group stages, we never played such good football (in the group stages). We didn’t look organised, but the results were there. But, today we played good football and the results were not there,” said the Sundowns ladies mentor.

“We created a lot of chances, but we didn’t convert them. I am a little bit confused, but I am happy for my players for showing a good fighting spirit. We showed that we can play good football, we are a good team and we played good football. I am happy with the performance of the girls, despite that we didn’t convert our chances, but I am hoping come the final we will convert the chances that we create.”

Sundowns ladies will take on Ghana’s Hasacaas Ladies in the final on Friday in Cairo.

Going into this tie, Tshabalala knows what to expect from the Ghanaians, but the Sundowns ladies’ motivation is to make history.

“We don’t have to sit (at the back), we just have to go for it. We only have 90 minutes to make history. I know we are playing against a very strong side. But I know my players, when we play against a strong side they come to the party.”