Despite the drama unfolding around the SAFA Women’s National Championship currently underway at the Vaal University of Technology, Limpopo’s Ramatlaohle and Gauteng’s Diepkloof Ladies were able to secure spots in the 2026 Hollywoodbets Super League season.
The duo takes the place of the relegated Durban Ladies and Royal AM.
Ramatlaohle and Diepkloof Ladies will contest the final on Saturday (13 December 2025) to see which team is crowned the national champion, following in the footsteps of Ezemvelo Ladies, who lifted the trophy in 2024 at the expense of the University of Cape Town (UCT).
PREVIOUS WINNERS:
| YEAR | WINNER | RUNNERS-UP |
| 2019 | JVW (Gauteng) | Ma-Indies Ladies (Limpopo) – already relegated |
| 2020 | Cancelled due to the Covid-19 Pandemic | |
| 2021 | Vasco da Gama (Western Cape) – sold status | City Lads Ladies (Eastern Cape) |
| 2022 | Copperbelt Ladies (Limpopo) | University of Pretoria (Gauteng) |
| 2023 | University of Fort Hare (Eastern Cape) | Lindelani FC (KwaZulu Natal) – already relegated |
| 2024 | Ezemvelo (KwaZulu Natal) | UCT (Western Cape) |
There were only seven provinces on the field in the 2025 edition of the SAFA Women’s National Play-offs.
North West did not have a team as they did not complete their league season, while the Western Cape’s representative, Stellenbosch’s participation at the tournament was halted by the courts.
| Province | Team | Group |
| Gauteng | Diepkloof Ladies | A |
| Western Cape | Stellenbosch – DID NOT PLAY | A |
| Northern Cape | Royal Wizards | A |
| Limpopo | Ramatlaohle | A |
| Free State | Central University | B |
| Mpumalanga | Super Strikers | B |
| Eastern Cape | 4800 Ladies | B |
| KwaZulu Natal | All Stars | B |
Ramatlaohle and Diepkloof Ladies finished first and second respectively in Group A and contested the semi-finals against Central University of Technology (CUT) – who finished top of Group A, and runners up Super Strikers of Mpumalanga.
The Limpopo side had the easiest run-in to promotion as they defeated CUT 3-0 in the semi-final – with goals from Koketso Tlailane (13’), Maureen Morudi (36’) and Lebogang Mamabolo (68’).
It was third time lucky for Ramatlaohle who lost out in 2023 and 2024 at the play-offs.
They become the third Limpopo team in the Hollywoodbets Super League after Copperbelt Ladies and First Touch Ladies.
In the other semi-final clash, Diepkloof Ladies took the long route to securing a spot in the South African elite women’s football league as they triumphed 3-2 on penalties following a goalless stalemate after regulation time.
Following the acquisition of the Diepkloof Ladies’ status by Royal Lions, the newly promoted team will assume their new name next season.
Their arrival increases to six the number of teams in the Hollywoodbets Super League in Gauteng: record six-time champions Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, JVW and the three university teams – Tuks, TUT and UJ.
Following the relegation of Golden Ladies and Tsunami Queens in recent years, the North West and Free State Provinces continue to be without a team in the elite women’s league.
Road to the Final:
Ramatlaohle
| Group Stages: | |||
| Ramatlaohle | 2 – 0 | Diepkloof Ladies | |
| Ramatlaohle | 2 – 1 | Royal Wizards | |
| Ramatlaohle | NR (no result) | Stellenbosch | |
| Semi-final: | |||
| Ramatlaohle | 3 – 0 | CUT | |
Diepkloof Ladies
| Group Stages: | |||
| Diepkloof Ladies | 0 – 2 | Ramatlaohle | |
| Diepkloof Ladies | NR (no result) | Stellenbosch | |
| Diepkloof Ladies | 12 – 2 | Royal Wizards | |
| Semi-final: | |||
| Diepkloof Ladies | 3 – 2 Pen (0-0) | Super Strikers | |
Final:
Day 4:
13 Saturday December
11:00
Main Stadium
By Matlhomola Morake
