With the CAF Women’s Champions League campaign fast approaching, Young Buffaloes Ladies are wasting no time in sharpening their arsenal.
The reigning champions have confirmed the signing of formidable defender Samu Malinga from Interladies FC, adding steel and experience to their backline.
The club made the announcement on Saturday on their official social media pages, sparking excitement among fans as preparations for continental football intensify.
Malinga arrives with a solid reputation as one of the most reliable defenders in the local women’s game. Known for her composure under pressure, sharp positional sense and tough tackling, she brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the already-talented Buffaloes squad.
Her ability to read the game and shut down threats has seen her rise through the ranks to become a household name in local’s women’s football scene.
Her move marks a significant blow for Interladies, who have now lost two of their top defenders in less than a year. Last season, they also bid farewell to Ncedo Gamedze, another national team regular who signed with Nsingizini Hotspurs Ladies. For Interladies, these departures may signal a period of rebuilding, while for Buffaloes it is a clear sign of ambition.
The signing could not have come at a better time. Yesterday, the team tested their strength in a friendly match against South African outfit Sunflower Women’s FC at KaLanga Technical Centre.
The match ended with a scoreline of 3-0 in favour of Buffaloes. They shared on their page that such matches were part of the team’s broader strategy to gear up mentally and physically for CAF competition.
Malinga’s recent call-up to the national team for the 2024 COSAFA Women’s Championship further underlined her pedigree.
She is expected to bring that same energy and discipline to her new club as Buffaloes aim to make a deep run on the continental stage.
With the CAF spotlight drawing closer, all eyes will be on how the new-look Buffaloes defence gels and whether Malinga can be the anchor they have been looking for.
As things stand, this signing signals more than just squad depth; it represents Buffaloes’ intent to conquer Africa. She will be partnered with the likes of Welile Ndwandwe, who won both the Best Defender and Top Goal Scorer awards last season.
