Tholakele double crowns Sundowns

Kabelo Boranabi | Tuesday September 1, 2026 09:58

The 2-1 victory secured Sundowns their third regional title, following triumphs in 2021 and 2023. It also sent them through to the CAF Women's Champions League finals later this year.

Playing in front of the home crowd, Mares' forward, Refilwe Tholakele was the match-winner, striking twice to settle a final in which ZESCO twice had to chase the game.

Sundowns needed only two minutes to take the lead as Tholakele found the net almost immediately, giving the South African champions the perfect start.

ZESCO, who were appearing in the final for the second successive year, gradually worked their way back into the contest and found their reward on the stroke of half-time. Charity Mubanga equalised in the 45th minute to send the teams into the break level.

The decisive moment came in the 64th minute when Sundowns were awarded a penalty. Tholakele stepped up and converted to restore the lead.

ZESCO pushed for a second equaliser, but Sundowns held on to complete an unbeaten run in the tournament and secure the region's sole qualification place for the continental finals.

It was another painful ending for ZESCO, who had lost last year's final to Gaborone United (GU) on penalties after a 1-1 stalemate. They had also eliminated Sundowns in the semi-final stage last year, handing the South Africans their only regulation-time defeat in the regional competition since their debut in 2021. This time, Sundowns turned the tables and their campaign was emphatic. The team scored 22 goals scored and only two conceded across five matches.

They opened with an 8-0 win over Nsingizini Hotspurs, beat Silver Strikers 3-0 and Costa do Sol 4-1 before dismantling defending champions GU 5-0 in the semi-final.

Tholakele finished the tournament with seven goals, earning the Golden Boot. Karabo Dhlamini was named Player of the Tournament, while Andile Dlamini took the Golden Glove. ZESCO received the Fair Play award.

The title also strengthens Sundowns' continental credentials. They won the regional qualifier in both 2021 and 2023 and went on to win the CAF Women's Champions League on both occasions.

Meanwhile Red Roses ended their title defence on a winning note, after beating Silver Strikers 4-0 in the third-place playoff.

Maungo Maponga scored twice, including a penalty, while Yaone Modise also grabbed a brace as GU produced a strong second-half response after their crushing 5-0 semi-final defeat to Sundowns.

GU therefore finish third, while Silver Strikers end their first COSAFA campaign in fourth

The teams:

ZESCO: Annie Namonje, Pauline Zulu, Eneless Phiri, Charity Mubanga, Thandiwe Ndhlovu, Judith Soko, Avell Chitundu, Penelope Mbulawa, Majory Mulenga, Mable Bwalya, Jackline Chomba

Sundowns: Andile Dlamini, Khutso Pila, Noxolo Cesane, Isabella Ludwig, Bambanani Mbane, Lelona Daweti, Kholosa Biyana, Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Lebohang Ramalepe, Karabo Dhlamini, Refilwe Tholakele

ZESCO 1 (Mubanga 45th) Sundowns 2 Refilwe Tholakele second, 64th)