Cesane calls for fast start as Sundowns Ladies target Champions League glory

Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies midfielder Noxolo Cesane says scoring early could be crucial when the South African side face Morocco’s AS FAR in the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League final.

Sundowns, also known as Banyana Ba’ Style, reached the showpiece match after beating Uganda’s Kawempe Muslim Ladies 4-1 in their semi-final.

Cesane believes they must take the confidence from that performance into the final and use an early breakthrough to establish control.

“We need to make sure that we score early in the game, and that will help us to manage the game,” Cesane told SABC Sport.

“If it happens that they come at us, at least we know that we are already leading. That will help us recover during the game.”

The 26-year-old said the semi-final was more demanding than the scoreline suggested, with both teams showing their determination to claim a place in the final.

“I believe the game had high intensity. I don’t have much to say, but it shows that both teams wanted to secure a spot in the final,” she said.

Cesane added that Sundowns had remained committed to their plan while keeping their ambition of winning a third title firmly in mind.

“We had to stick to our game plan and remember the importance of chasing the third title. I am proud of my teammates that we delivered, and this is because we have been treating every game like it is the final,” she said.

Sundowns’ attacking approach will begin from the opening stages, according to Cesane, as they seek to maintain the scoring form that carried them through the semi-finals.

She said the technical team had instructed the players to move forward early rather than allow AS FAR to dictate the contest.

“The coach instructed us to push forward. We need to score goals as early as possible to help manage the game,” Cesane said.

Although she expects a difficult encounter against AS FAR, Cesane said Sundowns were prepared for the challenge and determined to ensure the trophy returns to South Africa.

“We do know that we are facing a tough team and it will not be easy, but we are ready to put up a strong fight and make sure that we bring the trophy home,” she added.