The countdown has started to the most anticipated Sasol League National Championship.
207 Players (23 per team), 9 teams, 5 match days, one winner, one trophy!
Going with the slogan Believe in Her Dreams with Sasol League, the 2023 edition will be played at the iconic Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Botshabelo, Bloemfontein in the Free State.
The 22-thousand capacity venue was previously known as the Seisa Ramabodu Stadium and was the home ground of the now defunct Bloemfontein Celtic, also known as Siwelele.
Nine provincial winners will contest the top prize of being called 2023 Sasol League National Champions, which goes with a R200-thousand cheque and promotion to the Hollywoodbets Super League, the South African elite Women’s Football league.
Eight teams have already been confirmed, with only Gauteng scheduled to reveal the identity of their representative this weekend between Croesus Ladies and Springs Home Sweepers.
The Sasol League has been ever-present in Women’s Football in South Africa since their arrival in 2009.
They provide young and aspiring women footballers opportunities at an entry level, giving a chance a reaching for their dreams of playing at the highest level.
“We thank our long-time partners Sasol for continuing to support women’s football for so many years and always putting their money where their mouth is. The Sasol League tournament has been a massive foundation and has produced an unending supply of players, and this priceless pipeline has made so many dreams possible,” said SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao.
A case in point is that of Wendy Shongwe from Tuks Ladies, who in 2022 was plying her trade in the Sasol League, then the Hollywoodbets Super League in 2023, which came with the bonus of a Banyana Banyana call-up that eventually saw her grace the lush greens of the world stage after being named in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup that was held in Australia and New Zealand last month.
Hers is a story of inspiration, of believing in your dreams and chasing after them as they #LiveTheImpossible
Now the 207 players from the nine teams that will battle it out this year for top honours, also have a chance to follow in Shongwe’s footsteps, as she has shown that with determination anything is possible – and thanks to the Sasol League for providing the platform.
QUALIFIED TEAMS FOR THE 2023 SASOL LEAGUE NATIONAL CHAMPS:
| TEAM | PROVINCE |
| ROYAL WIZARDS | Northern Cape |
| SASOL JUVENTUS LADIES | Mpumalanga |
| ROYAL QUEENS | North West |
| UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN | Western Cape |
| IXIAS FC | Free State |
| UNIVERSITY OF FORT HARE | Eastern Cape |
| RAMATLAOHLE LADIES | Limpopo |
| LINDELANI LADIES | KwaZulu Natal |
| TBC: CROESUS LADIES VS SPRINGS HOME SWEEPERS | Gauteng |
Sasol Juventus Ladies, UCT, Ramatlaohle Ladies, University of Fort Hare and Royal Queens are making their debut in the championship, while Lindelani Ladies, Royal Wizards and Ixias FC are trying their luck again.
2023 SASOL LEAGUE NATIONAL CHAMPS DRAW:
Group A:
- Sasol Juventus
- Royal Queens
- Gauteng Team
Group B:
- Royal Wizards
- University of Fort Hare
- Lindelani Ladies
Group C:
- University of Cape Town
- Ramatlaohle Ladies
- Ixias FC
The team that finishes second place will not only pocket R100-thousand, but will also earn promotion to the Hollywoodbets Super League, while third place takes home a R50-thousand cheque.
“Sasol’s aim is not only to develop the teams in terms of the football they play, but we want to provide knowledge and a deep understanding of the sport because by supporting the Sasol League, we are not just backing women’s football, we are investing in the pursuit of dreams and inspiring greatness,” said Nozipho Mbatha: Sasol Senior Manager: Group Brand and Sponsorships.
“Through the campaign BELIEVE IN HER DREAMS WITH SASOL LEAGUE, and initiatives we will be executing, we want young athletes to see the Sasol League tournament as that stepping stone that will open their worlds to opportunities in the football fraternity. The Sasol League stands tall as the premier semi-professional platform – the very birthplace of dreams and through this League, we are determined to stimulate a future where women shine in all spheres.”
In 2022, the tournament, held in Polokwane, was won by Copperbelt Ladies of Limpopo after defeating Tuks Ladies in the final.
Other teams that took part include Central University of Technology (Free State), TS Galaxy Ladies (Mpumalanga), NWU Tawana (North West), Sophakama FC (Eastern Cape), Dangerous Heroes Ladies (Northern Cape) as well as Lindelani Ladies and Royal Wizards.
TS Galaxy Ladies is now campaigning in the Hollywoodbets Super League as TS Galaxy -this after they bought the status of Western Cape’ Vasco da Gama, following their failure to secure promotion in back to back championships.
The Capetonians lasted only one season in the top flight football.
In the Hollywoodbets Super League season currently underway, North West and Free State have no teams since the relegation of Golden Ladies (NW) and Tsunami Queens (FS).
There are four university sides campaigning in the top level – UWC, UJ, UP and TUT.
SASOL LEAGUE NATIONAL CHAMPS PREVIOUS WINNERS:
| YEAR | TEAM | PROVINCE |
| 2022 | Copperbelt Ladies | Limpopo |
| 2021 | Vasco da Gama | Western Cape |
| 2019 | JVW FC | Gauteng |
| 2018 | TUT Ladies | Gauteng |
| 2017 | Bloemfontein Celtic Ladies | Free State |
| 2016 | Bloemfontein Celtic Ladies | Free State |
| 2015 | Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies | Gauteng |
| 2014 | Cape Town Roses Ladies | Western Cape |
| 2013 | Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies | Gauteng |
| 2012 | Palace Super Falcons | Gauteng |
| 2011 | Palace Super Falcons | Gauteng |
| 2010 | Palace Super Falcons | Gauteng |
| 2009 | Detroit Ladies | Mpumalanga |
By Matlhomola Morake
