For the first time since 2019 when JVW won the Sasol League, the Gauteng Province has managed to lift the trophy again after Diepkloof Ladies brushed aside a stubborn Ramatlaohle (Limpopo) 1-0 in the final of the SAFA Women’s National Championship.
The clash took place at the Isak Steyl Stadium in Vanderbijlpark on Saturday (13 December 2025) – where incessant rain fell for the better part of the game.
Mifdielder Makgotso Lepota’s 66th minute strike made all the difference after she beat the offside trap and slotted the ball past Ester Seefane in Ramatlaohle’s goals.
The Sowetans were making their first appearance in the SAFA Women’s National Championship while it was third time lucky for Ramatlaohle who failed to qualify in the 2023 and 2024 editions in Bloemfontein and Knysna respectively.
Among those in attendance at the final were SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan, SAFA NEC members, Kwenzakwakhe Ngwenya and Job Mchunu, SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao, Banyana Banyana Head Coach Dr Desiree Ellis and SAFA Head of Women’s Football Dawn Lubisi.
“Special congratulations go to Diepkloof Ladies FC from Gauteng, who were crowned champions of the playoffs, claiming gold ahead of Ramatlaohle Ladies FC of Limpopo, whose strong showing earned them a deserved second-place finish,” said Monyepao.
WINNERS:
| YEAR | WINNERS | RUNNERS-UP |
| 2019 | JVW (Gauteng) | Ma-Indies Ladies (Limpopo) – relegated in 2023 |
| 2020 | Cancelled due to the Covid-19 Pandemic | |
| 2021 | Vasco da Gama (Western Cape) – sold status in 2023 | City Lads Ladies (Eastern Cape) |
| 2022 | Copperbelt Ladies (Limpopo) | University of Pretoria (Gauteng) |
| 2023 | University of Fort Hare (Eastern Cape) | Lindelani FC (KwaZulu Natal) – relegated in 2024 |
| 2024 | Ezemvelo (KwaZulu Natal) | UCT (Western Cape) |
| 2025 | Diepkloof Ladies (Gauteng) | Ramatlaohle (Limpopo) |
Diepkloof Ladies and Ramatlaohle had already gained promotion to the prestigious Hollywoodbets Super League for the 2026 season, taking the spots previously occupied by the relegated Durban Ladies and Royal AM – both from KwaZulu Natal.
The Soweto outfit becomes the sixth team from Gauteng to feature in the South African elite Women’s Football League – the Hollywoodbets Super League, joining Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, JVW, the University of Pretoria, TUT Matsatsantsa Ladies and the University of Johannesburg.
Ramatlaohle’s qualification means there will be three teams from the Limpopo province, in addition to First Touch Ladies and Copperbelt Ladies.
“SAFA congratulates the two teams promoted to the Hollywoodbets Super League following the 2025 SAFA Women’s National Regional Playoffs, marking a significant milestone in their football journeys,” added the SAFA CEO.
There was shared joy among three teams in the individual awards.
Despite falling in the semi-finals, Mavis Maiacane of Super Strikers in Mpumalanga took home the Top Goalscorer accolade with her six goals in tournament, while Mananki Makhoana of Diepkloof Ladies had the safest hands in the competition as she claimed the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award. Ramatlaohle had something else also to smile about, with Refilwe Moyo winning the biggest individual prize – the Player of the Tournament.
Match officials Nolitha Mhlomi and Hloniphile Msezane were named the Assistant Referee and Referee of the Tournament respectively.
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS WINNERS:
| CATEGORY | NAME | CLUB |
| Top Goal Scorer | Mavis Maiacane | Super Strikers (Mpumalanga – 6 goals) |
| Goalkeeper of the Tournament | Mananki Makhoana | Diepkloof Ladies (Gauteng) |
| Player of the Tournament | Refilwe Moyo | Ramatlaohle |
| Assistant Referee of the Tournament | Nolitha Mhlomi | |
| Referee of the Tournament | Hloniphile Msezane |
The 2025 SAFA Women’s National Championship was the final act of the season for women’s football.
“As the women’s football season draws to a close, it has been a busy period across all levels. The U20 Women’s National Team, Basetsana, recently concluded a preparation camp ahead of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, while Banyana Banyana were in action in Morocco. With both teams set to return to action early in the new year, the momentum in women’s football continues,” concluded Monyepao.
Early in 2026, Basetsana will be in action against Ghana as they attempt to qualify for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, while Banyana Banyana will continue their preparations for the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) which will be staged in Morocco starting in March 2026 – a crucial one as it is a World Cup qualifier.
By Matlhomola Morake
