KICK-START: A familiar Egyptian hurdle awaits as Sundowns Ladies launch their pursuit of a third African crown against tournament hosts FC Masar on Sunday…

By  WSAM Sports Reporter

Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies begin their quest to reclaim continental supremacy with a testing encounter against Egyptian hosts FC Masar in the CAF Women’s Champions League on Sunday, November 1.

The Group A clash kicks off at 17h00, South African time, at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia, where a winning start would give the South African representatives an early foothold in the race for the semi-finals.

There is unfinished business between the sides. Masar defeated Sundowns 1–0 during the 2024 tournament, a result that adds an edge to an opening assignment already made challenging by the Egyptians’ home advantage. Sundowns must overcome opponents who have previously shown they can frustrate and punish them.

Champions in 2021 and 2023, Sundowns arrive with the experience of lifting Africa’s premier women’s club trophy twice. Their ambition is to add a third title, with Morocco’s AS FAR entering this year’s competition as defending champions.

For Sundowns, the tactical challenge will be to balance attacking ambition with defensive discipline.

An early goal could help settle the contest in their favour, but committing too many players forward would risk leaving space for Masar to exploit.

Patience, sharp movement and clinical finishing could prove decisive. Equally crucial will be Sundowns’ response when possession is lost, particularly if the hosts sit deep and look to break quickly.

With only three group matches, the opening result carries considerable weight. Sundowns next face Cameroon’s Lekié Football Filles on November 4 before concluding their group programme against Morocco’s FUS Rabat on November 7. The top two teams advance to the semi-finals on November 11, with the final scheduled for November 15.

Sunday offers an immediate opportunity to set the tone. Victory over Masar would deliver valuable points and strengthen belief that Sundowns can turn their return to the continental stage into another championship campaign

Sports  Briefs

AFCON back to 2-year cycle

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will return to a two-year cycle following a unanimous decision by the Confederation of African Football’s executive committee, reversing its earlier move towards staging the tournament every four years.

CAF president Patrice Motsepe said the reversal would protect the interests of African football, its 54 member associations and African players employed by clubs outside the continent.

The decision followed concerns that the proposed Africa Nations League, intended to replace the current AFCON and run every two years, would need several years to generate sufficient revenue to support continental competitions and football development.

Motsepe had announced at CAF’s October strategy conference in Cabo Verde that the executive committee would reconsider the four-year arrangement.

The next AFCON will take place in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda in 2027, followed by tournaments in 2028, 2031 and 2033.

Kwayiba targets Chilli Boys

Sinoxolo Kwayiba hopes to carry his midweek scoring form into Stellenbosch FC’s Betway Premiership clash against former club Chippa United at Danie Craven Stadium on Saturday.

The 26-year-old struck twice late in Wednesday’s Carling Knockout victory over Durban City to send Stellies into the quarter-finals.

“It was a good feeling for me to score those goals. I was looking to get one but ended up with two,” Kwayiba said. “Now I have to keep on pushing to get more.”

He credited Stellenbosch’s preparation for helping them withstand a physical contest and maintain their intensity until the final whistle.

Kwayiba now faces a quick turnaround against familiar opposition, with the encounter also set to mark his first appearance for Stellenbosch at Danie Craven Stadium.

“To play against Chippa United is not going to be an easy game, because we played on Wednesday and now again on Saturday, but that’s what we get paid for,” he said.

“I hope to do my best to help the team get the three points, which I believe we can get.” Kick-off is at 18h00 on October 31. Tickets cost R40 per person through Webtickets.

Downs reach for the sky

Mamelodi Sundowns and PUMA have unveiled the club’s third kit for the 2026/27 season, drawing inspiration from the limitless African sky. Named The Rise Kit, the white and blue strip symbolises hope, peace and opportunity, complementing Sundowns’ “Never Stop Rising” campaign and celebrating the Yellow Nation’s journey across Africa.

The launch also supports the club’s National Children’s Day activities through the message “Every Child Deserves to Rise”, promoting children’s rights, dignity, protection and empowerment.

Club ambassador and former captain Hlompho Kekana said the kit was intended to encourage young people to dream beyond their circumstances and realise their potential.

He also urged those in leadership to create environments that nurture and protect children, giving the strip a purpose beyond football.

Sundowns are scheduled to wear the kit against Durban City in their league encounter on October 31.

Supporters can choose between an authentic players’ shirt, featuring PUMA’s lightweight ULTRAWEAVE fabric and technologies designed to manage sweat and heat, and a replica made with recycled polyester.

The authentic shirt costs R2 399, while adult replicas cost R1 299 and children’s replicas R1 199. The range went on sale on October 30 at PUMA stores, PUMA.com, Totalsports, Takealot and Studio 88, offering supporters several purchasing options.