The Red Roses, through their social media platforms, on Monday confirmed that they will play Sundowns in a friendly match tomorrow (Wednesday) at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium in South Africa in a 3pm kick-off. GU are readying to make their debut in the Champions League regional qualifiers to be held in Malawi from August 15-24. This is the first time the qualifiers are held outside of South Africa. In a draw conducted last month, GU have been pitted against fellow qualifiers' debutants, Uniao Desportiva de Lichinga of Mozambique and Malawi's Ascent Academy while Young Buffaloes make a return for the second time in Group B.
The group features three debutants and would prove to be a tricky one for the sides. The Red Roses have avoided regional heavyweights, Zambia's Green Buffaloes who are drawn in Group A alongside Herentals Queens (Zimbabwe), and two tournament debutants, Ongos FC (Namibia) and University of Western Cape (UWC) FC (South Africa). The local side will tomorrow take on the two-time African champions who have since booked their place in the Champions League finals by virtue of being holders. Red Roses will face a familiar team in the star-studded Sundowns side in Mares' captain, Sedilame Bosija. Forward, Refilwe Tholakele, will miss out the tie as she nursing an ankle injury and expected to be out of action at least until January.
The friendly match is seen as a pivotal part of GU's preparations for the regional qualifiers. The team recently played a friendly match against J4K Academy's Under-19 boys' team and ended losing it an 3-2. Newly signed 18-year-old, Jessica Modise bagged a brace in the loss and she is expected to fight for a starting alongside the national championship top goal scorer, Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse, and also Kelebogile Magaga. GU have also boosted their goalkeeping department with the acquisition of Kefilwe Tafa from Prisons Ladies team on a two-year contract.
