We can still do better – Sundowns Ladies coach after emphatic win

After suffering a narrow 1-0 loss to FC Masar of Egypt in their first match, the Brazilians bounced back in a bullish manner in the second game, giving their opponents no room to manoeuvre. 

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Four goals in the first half and the game was over as a contest, but Tshabalala is still not convinced, saying they can do more.

''It was important for us to bounce back strong. We started the tournament on a negative note, so we needed to redeem ourselves today and credit the girls for the performance. As much as we scored about four goals, there are still a few things that I believe I am not happy with, I think we should have scored more than four goals in this match. I still believe there's room for improvement in the team,'' said Tshabalala.

In an effort to encourage them, Tshabalala says he had to remind the players the importance of playing in the tournament and also of representing their country.

''I needed to remind them how important it is for us to be in this competition and with us carrying the hopes of South Africans back home, we can't bow out of the tournament in the group stages. We have got to show character and credit must go to CBE the manner in which they tested and we still have to finetune something that is missing in this team, and we have to fix it as quickly as possible,'' added Tshabalala.

With the commanding win, Tshabalala believes they have what it takes to go all the way, despite a defeat in the first game.

''First game was very difficult, I think we should have wrapped it up in the first half and we didn't do that. But we are a strong team and believe we will go to the semi-final, and for us to be champions we want to beat everyone, it doesn't matter which team, we have got to beat all the teams that are here in the tournament,'' expressed Tshabalala.       

Forward Melinda Kgadiete scored two goals, with Boitumelo Rabale and Lelona Daweti grabbing the other two in the 4-0 win. Kgadiete, who was named Player of the Match, says they had no choice but to win, especially after their poor start.

Edo Queens and FC Masar played to a goalless draw in the other Group B match, leaving Queens top of the log standings on four points level with FC Masar while Sundowns Ladies are third on three points. CBE are yet to register points. In the last group stage matches, Sundowns Ladies face Edo Queens while FC Masar will go toe to toe with CBE.