Mamelodi Sundowns vs Bayelsa Queens: Early clash for titans

Action will get underway in Group B for the opening round of the CAF Women's Champions League, Morocco 2022 on Monday, October 31. The clash between defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa and first-timers Bayelsa Queens from Nigeria will be a kind of early final. Two clubs from African women's football powerhouses will be playing at Stade de Marrakech, Marrakech.

This is what the clubs’ coaches and players said:

Mamelodi Sundowns

Jerry Tshabalala, coach: "When we came year last year, the idea was for us to win the championship, we are back again, and want to defend our title. We've won our [South African ]league three times in a row, and we hope to be the first team to win the Women's Champions League title back-to-back. Against Bayelsa Queens, we understand the challenge that we will face and also know what to expect."

Lelona Daweti, striker: "Playing against a Nigerian club like Bayelsa Queens is going to be tough but we are not coming to underestimate any team in this competition. We are trusting ourselves and our coaches. So, we will come out to do our best, and play our good football as Mamelodi Sundowns and the rest will follow.

Bayelsa Queens

**Domo Okara, coach: "**We have worked hard to get here and we've prepared and trained well coming into this tournament. We've also watched some clips of Mamelodi Sundowns. We respect them as defending champions and we are going to give our best."

Uzoamaka Igwe, captain: "I know is not going to be easy. Mamelodi Sundowns are here as the champions and will give us a difficult match but we have prepared well and trained hard to do well in the tournament."