Karabo Dhlamini celebrates the 2025 HWBSL Defender of the Season accolade

She edged out Precious Seshweni of TS Galaxy and Boitumelo Rasehlo of JVW to claim the accolade.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Dhlamini says she is proud to have contributed to Sundowns’ success over the past six seasons.

"I feel honoured, I'm really happy about winning this award. In football you don't work alone, you work with other people so winning this award was a team effort. Rushing the process really doesn't help, I've been dreaming about this award for a long time and God finally blessed me with it," Dhlamini said.

READ: Mamelodi Sundowns coach provides latest on Williams, Saleng returns

Dhamini admits that the 2025 season came with challenges for Sundowns, having failed to compete in the CAF Champions League. She says that they can only now focus on the positives.

"The 2025 season wasn't easy in the beginning, a lot happened but out of everything we focused on the positives and managed to win another title," she added.

Dhamini unpacks her 2026 goals, stating the importance of not just retaining the domestic championship but also making sure that they return to competing in the CAF Champions League.

"My goals with Mamelodi Sundowns for 2026 is winning the league again and winning COSAFA so that we can qualify for CAF and then winning CAF."