Lebohang Ramalepe confident of title defence despite new HWBSL format

The league recently unveiled a new two-stream structure consisting of eight teams in each division, with Division 1 named the Super Era and Division 2 called the Super Rise.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Ramalepe says Sundowns are expecting tougher competition from the other teams in Division 1, but remains confident in their ability to retain the title.

"It is not going to be easy. I think it's just a matter of what we want as a team. I think with the change in the format, there will be so many surprises. But as a club, we know what we want to achieve at the end of the day," said Ramalepe.

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"We just need to take it one game at a time. When we get there, at least we will have achieved what we want to achieve by the end of the season."

"Also, to the new teams that have come into the Hollywoodbets Super League, I would say to them, 'All the best!' They must make sure that they give us a run for our money. So, yeah, we are ready for the league to kickstart."

Sundowns Ladies secured 26 wins in 30 matches last season to finish top of the table with 80 points. Ramalepe credits coach Godfrey Sapula for the team’s success in his first season in charge, describing him as more than just a coach but also a father figure to the players.

The 35-year-old defender adds that qualifying for the CAF Women’s Champions League remains the club’s main objective this season after missing out on the continental competition last year.