With Mamelodi Sundowns having officially unveiled their 2024/25 home and away kits on Tuesday, Downs Ladies star Bambanani Mbane had a quick QA sharing some interesting insights into her career. Here's a look!
The story
After some growing anticipation, PUMA confirmed the launch of two Sundowns jerseys on Tuesday, the home and away kits. Masandawana Ladies defender Mbane was one of the those featured modelling the new stripa alongside veteran men's star Themba Zwane.
Speaking in an exclusive QA with PUMA, Mbane answered 11 questions about herself and career:
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1. What do you think of the new kit in terms of how it tells the success story of Mamelodi Sundowns?
The new kit is a great illustration of the home of champions for me. It speaks royalty. It represents Mamelodi Sundowns' winning culture.
2. Winning 4 league titles in a row, and fighting for a 5th - how does the club manage to stay on top?
Sundowns is the home of champions, so everyone who is part of the family must have a winning mentality. Meaning, putting in extra work is part of our DNA because we don't accept anything less.
3. The team has won the CAF Women's Champions League twice, is this crown the main priority?
Definitely. We've done it twice. There's always room for more.
4. Why is the Champions League so important?
The level of competition in the Champions League makes me enjoy my game more. Being able to play against other African giants allows me to measure my abilities against the best on the continent.
5. The inaugural FIFA Women's Club World Cup is expected to take place in 2026. What excites you about this tournament likely to feature major clubs like Barcelona, Lyon and Chelsea?
It'll be exciting to share a football pitch with the greatest teams and with players that are our role models. It's also an opportunity to compete and learn how football is evolving in other parts of the world.
6. Is ensuring Sundowns is part of FIFA Women's Club World Cup encourage the team to maintaining its level of success year on year? It is a major goal; we need to make a name for ourselves and represent not only our country but the continent.
7. Will this international competition raise the profile of women's club football in South Africa?
Yes, women's football will grow, and more people will be interested in the sport which hopefully attracts more sponsors.
8. Tell us about what excites you about being invited to the Women's Cup in the USA in August, where teams include Atletico Madrid?
It will be a real test, and we'll be able to weigh our level of football against the giants of the world.
9. Which player would you like to play alongside?
Samantha Kerr, a very intelligent striker that can score from any angle by exploiting the defenders' weaknesses.
10. Highlights of the past season on and off the pitch?
Winning WAFCON, CAF and qualifying for the top 16 of the 2023 FIFA women's World Cup and most importantly marrying the love of my life and having both our families present.
11. How important is your own legacy?
I'd like to be remembered as one of the 'BREADWINNNERS' - a street term used for the best women players in SA to ever win CAFWCL, WAFCON, and play in the World Cup and Club World Cup.
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