One of South Africa’s leading football clubs, Kaizer Chiefs, has made a significant stride as they launched their women’s football team – a step many have been waiting for.
And judging by the reaction of many, it is a welcomed move, and they now join the likes of Betway Premiership clubs Stellenbosch FC, Mamelodi Sundowns and TS Galaxy in having women’s teams in their ranks.
“This is a proud moment for Kaizer Chiefs. As a Club, we understand the responsibility we carry within South African football, and this step reflects our commitment to growing the game in a meaningful way. Women’s football is an important part of the future, and we are committed to being part of that journey,” said Kaizer Chiefs Chairman, Dr Kaizer Motaung in a statement.
“When you build something of this nature, you must think beyond the present moment. You must consider the generations that will follow and the responsibility that comes with that. Kaizer Chiefs Ladies is part of a broader vision to ensure that the game continues to elevate, to include more people, and to stand stronger in the years ahead.”
The launch took place in Daveyton on the East Rand – the home of Springs Home Sweepers who got into partnership with Amakhosi to start to the Ladies Team. They will now campaign in the second tier of South African Football, the Sasol League with the hopes of gaining promotion to the Hollywoodbets Super League.
“Kaizer Chiefs express their sincere appreciation to Gauteng-based club, Springs Home Sweepers for their role in shaping this project and for the years of work invested in developing women’s football. The Club extends their gratitude to Joseph Mkhonza, the former Kaizer Chiefs player and respected coach, for his longstanding contribution to the growth of the women’s game in South Africa. Their influence and commitment have played an important part in laying the foundation on which this team now stands,” said the club.
Kaizer Chiefs Ladies also unveiled 24 players that include experienced campaigners like former Banyana Banyana players, Mamello Makhabane and Yolula Tsawe, as well as current junior international players Zanele Kunyamane and Katlego Mohale.
Boitumelo Mokoena is the club captain.
The team will be led by Head Coach Unathi Mabena, a highly qualified mentor holding a UEFA B Coaching License and CAF A Coaching Diploma. During her playing days, she used to run out for JVW in the Hollywoodbets Super League, before hanging up her boots in 2022 to go into fulltime coaching, joining the technical team as an assistant coach.
Mabena will work alongside Justice Khunou who will be the assistant.
In another significant milestone, Kaizer Chiefs Ladies also announced Brima Logistics as their official sponsor – even before they played their first official match.
“This is about building real pathways for women in the game. The women’s game is growing rapidly across the world, and South Africa is part of that upward trajectory. We want female soccer players to see this team and understand that there is a place for them within Kaizer Chiefs and within the global game,” said Kaizer Chiefs Commercial Director, Jessica Motaung.
“We are grateful to SAFA for their continued support and to Brima Logistics for their commitment to this project. Partnerships are an important part of building something that can grow and succeed over time. The support of corporate investment cannot be underestimated as it plays a critical role in the holistic development of the women’s game, providing stability and belief needed to build the game at every level.”
Brima will serve as the sleeve sponsor for the Kaizer Chiefs Ladies team, with all player jerseys bearing the company’s name and logo.
“We are very happy to be the first sponsor of the Kaizer Chiefs Ladies team and proud to be associated with this colossal brand, which was also started by a young man back in 1970, Kaizer Motaung,” said Executive Chairman, Tshepo Mekoa.
“We have worked hard to build a strong company that the people of Daveyton, where I’m from, can be proud of. Partnering with Amakhosi allows us to continue writing our beautiful story.”
Kaizer Chiefs Ladies will play their home matches at the Kaizer Chiefs Village in Naturena and alternate with the KwaThema Stadium in Springs in the East Rand.
About Brima Logistics:
- Brima Logistics is proud to be the very first sponsor of the Kaizer Chiefs Ladies team
- Founded in 2005 by entrepreneur Tshepo Brian Mekoa, who left his corporate job to pursue his dream of establishing Brima Logistics, which began with just one truck affectionately called “The Old Lady.”
- Today, the company has grown into a national operation with 10 branches across all nine provinces and a workforce of more than 180 employees
- An 11th branch is set to launch at the beginning of April
- The name Brima is a combination of Tshepo Brian Mekoa, the Executive Chairman, and his wife Matsietsi Mekoa, the Managing Director
- Together, they have built one of South Africa’s leading logistics companies.
By Matlhomola Morake
(additional reporting by KaizerChiefs.com)
