Sundowns learn 2022 CWCL opponents

Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies have learnt their opponents in the CAF Women's Champions League group stage as they look to successfully defend their crown from 2021.

The Brazilians have been drawn in Group B, alongside Egypt's Wadi Degla, Nigeria's Bayelsa Queens and the winner of the UNIFFAC regional qualifiers, which is yet to be confirmed.

Group A will see hosts AS FAR of Morocco, Tanzania's Simba Queens, Zambia's Green Buffaloes and Liberia's Determin Girls square off.

Sundowns, who lifted the trophy in the inaugural campaign in Egypt last year, have yet to play any of the teams in the group, depending on the outcome of the UNIFFAC qualifying tournament, which will kick off on Saturday.

The Champions League final tournament will take place in Rabat from 30 October to 13 November, with further details to be confirmed closer to the time.

"What an exciting draw, we're happy about the [outcome]. One wouldn't say it was a draw we were expecting but for us to be champions of Africa, we need to play against your stronger opponents," reacted Sundowns Ladies coach Jerry Tshabalala.

"What I like about the draw is that it panned out more or less similar to the previous tournament we played because we had AS FAR in our group and this year we've got Wadi Degla from Northern Africa, so the style of play is a little bit similar.

"We also have a team from Nigeria, which was Rivers Angels [last year] and we've got Bayelsa [Queens] in our group now, and we've got a team from UNIFFAC - we don't know who's going to come but we also played a similar team in the semis - Malabo Kings (Equatorial Guinea).

"So, we're looking forward to this and we want to go out there and defend our title. As much as it won't be easier this year, I think our experience should come in handy. We've just got to go out there and see to it that we defend our title. We'll work hard and even the girls were excited when the draw was made."

By Web Admin