Basadi in Action Sports

For Siyamthanda Qashani, receiving her first-ever call-up to the South African women's national football team is a moment that carries far more meaning than simply being selected for the national team. Siyamthanda Qashani The University of Pretoria Women's FC [AmaTuks] midfielder’s hard work has been rewarded with an opportunity to represent South Africa, but Qashani believes her journey to the national team has been guided by faith, support and the belief of those around her, It is a moment she and her mother prayed for. “I genuinely believe that I am where I am today because of my mother’s prayers,” Qashani said. “We used to pray for moments like these, and I feel like God has finally answered those prayers in a way that has exceeded my expectations.” While the call-up is a personal achievement, Qashani was quick to acknowledge the role her teammates and coaches have played in helping her reach this stage. “The belief they have shown in me has motivated me to believe in mysel...

The Hollywoodbets Super League returns with another important weekend of action as teams in the Super Era and Super Rise prepare for fixtures that could have a major impact on the table. In the Super Era, all eyes will once again be on unbeaten leaders Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, who travel to Gqeberha to face Richmond United on Sunday, 4 October at 09:00 at Westbourne Oval.  Hollywoodbets SL Top Goalscorers Sundowns have been almost impossible to break down this season. The defending champions have won all nine of their matches, scoring 30 goals without conceding once. Their latest performance underlined their dominance as they defeated Copperbelt Ladies 4–0 on 26 September. Richmond United will have a difficult challenge on their hands, but home advantage could give them something to build on. The Gqeberha outfit will need to be organised defensively and clinical when opportunities come their way if they are to stop Sundowns’ remarkable run. Before that, Friday’s action sees TS Gal...

After six years away from the Varsity Football final, the University of Pretoria (UP-Tuks) women’s team is back on the biggest stage and they come with belief, unity and a strong sense of purpose.  © Varsity Diski Tuks booked their place in the 2026 final with a hard-fought victory over TUT, a result that capped a campaign in which the team steadily grew in confidence and cohesion. For the Tuks coach, Sibusiso Themba, the journey to the final has been challenging but deeply rewarding. “At the start, we were still finding our feet, but the way the ladies came together is amazing.” The coach believes the team’s greatest strength has been its collective spirit. Rather than relying on individual brilliance, Tuks have built their campaign around togetherness, with every player including those coming off the bench playing a role when called upon. “ We win as a collective, not as individuals,” the coach explained. “We fought together as a team, and that is how we managed to get to the fin...

Fikile Venessa Magama is a South African female player born in Gugulethu, Cape Town, South Africa. She wears the Number 5 jersey for Banyana Banyana at the 2026 CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco. Magama brings composure, intelligence, and defensive resilience to South Africa's backline. Fikile Magama Born on 19 January 2002, the 24-year-old defender currently plays for UWC Ladies in the Hollywoodbets Super League. Standing at 1.55m, Magama has built a reputation as a fearless and technically gifted defender whose game is defined by excellent positioning, anticipation, and calmness under pressure rather than physical stature. Magama's football journey began at the age of seven, inspired and supported by her grandmother. She developed her skills at Cape Town Roses before moving to Dangerous Heroes in Philippi and later featuring for Phuhla FC, a boys' team, where she further sharpened her competitive edge. Her talent earned her a place at the Universit...

Banyana Banyana suffered a 2-1 defeat to Tanzania in their opening Group B fixture of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2026 in Casablanca on Monday evening. South Africa South Africa dominated possession from the outset, patiently building from the back and dictating the tempo of the game. Thembi Kgatlana forced an early save in the 5th minute, before Noxolo Cesane tested the Tanzanian defence a minute later with a deflected effort that earned Banyana a corner.  Tanzania threatened on the counter, but Andile Dlamini produced a comfortable save, while Hilda Magaia fired over the crossbar from a promising position in the 17th minute. Lebohang Ramalepe also tried her luck in the 33rd minute, but her effort lacked power and was comfortably gathered by goal keeper Naijat Abass. The deadlock was broken in the 37th minute when Diana Msewa found the back of the net to hand Tanzania the lead. Banyana continued to press and were rewarded in first-half stop...

South Africa’s TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2026 campaign officially gets underway on Monday 27 July 2026 as Banyana Banyana face Tanzania in their Group B opener in Casablanca. Having carved their name into the history books by winning their first-ever WAFCON title in 2022, Banyana Banyana return to the continental championship looking to build on that success and make another strong impression on Africa’s biggest stage. Bambanani Mbane The 2026 edition, which runs from 26 July to 16 August, marks the first time the tournament will feature 16 teams. Hosted by Morocco, the competition begins with group stage before progressing to the knockout rounds. Beyond continental honours, the tournament also acts as a FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier, with the four semi-finalists earning automatic qualification. Drawn in Group B, South Africa will face Tanzania, Cote d’lvoire and Burkina Faso, with all of their group stage fixtures taking place in Casablanca. B...

The University of Pretoria (TUKS) heads into the next Hollywoodbets Super League Amplified festival with renewed confidence after securing a landmark 2-0 victory over the University of the Western Cape (UWC) in Polokwane this past weekend.  HWBSL Fixtures Sibusiso Themba The result was a significant milestone for the Tshwane outfit, marking their first-ever league victory over UWC after six previous meetings. It also handed TUKS their second win in three matches this season, lifting them to third place on the Super Era standings with six points. They currently sit one place above fourth-placed Copper Belts on goal difference, with both sides level on points. Tuks' next challenge comes on Friday, 3 July, when they face Limpopo-based Copper Belts at 15h00 in Mpumalanga as the Hollywoodbets Super League Amplified continues at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium. This fixture promises to be another closely contested affair between two in-form teams. Both TUKS and Copper Belts recorded victories d...

The spotlight will firmly be on JVW FC and newcomers Ramatlaohle FC when they officially open the 2026 Hollywoodbets Super League season on Friday night at UJ Soweto Campus. Kick-off is scheduled for 7pm, with free entrance for supporters, while fans can also catch the action live on SABC Sport and YouTube. Amanda Mthandi After narrowly missing out on the title last season, JVW returns determined to challenge once again after finishing second in 2025 with an impressive record of 21 wins, six draws and just three defeats. Interestingly, for the second consecutive season, JVW will begin their campaign against a newly promoted side after defeating Ezemvelo 3-2 in last year’s opener. JVW attacker Amanda Mthandi says excitement has been building within the squad after months of waiting for the season to finally begin. “I’m excited about the start of the new season. We’ve been training since the last week of January and there were uncertainties about the league, but now that we know who we a...

The 2026 Hollywoodbets Super League will officially kick off between 22-24 May at the UJ Soweto Stadium as South African women’s football enters a groundbreaking new chapter under the newly launched “Amplified” format. Speaking during the official launch, Hollywoodbets Super League Senior Sponsorship Coordinator for Football Menzi Ngcobo explained that the league has been split into two streams of eight teams — Super Era and Super Rise — to increase competition and create more opportunities for clubs to grow. “This is an opportunity to split the league from 16 teams into two groups of eight. It gives an opportunity for the best of the best to crown themselves champions at the final championship at the end of the playoffs,” said Ngcobo.  HWBSL Groups Under the new structure, teams in each stream will first compete amongst themselves before the top sides progress to the playoff rounds. The winners of Super Era and Super Rise will then meet in a final championship match to determine t...

Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies defender Karabo Dhlamini is on the brink of a major milestone as she prepares to earn her 50th international cap for Banyana Banyana when South Africa faces Algeria in their second international friendly in Durban. Karabo Dhlamini  © Gallo Images The highly anticipated clash will take place on Friday, 17 April at the King Zwelithini Stadium, following a narrow 1-0 victory for South Africa in the first encounter on Tuesday at Princess Magogo Stadium. Sundowns forward Nthabiseng Majiya netted the decisive goal in the 35th minute to give Banyana the advantage heading into the second fixture. Dhlamini, who has grown into one of the team’s key players, reflected on her journey in an interview with sponsor Sasol: “For me this is an honour... not everyone gets a chance like this. I am proud of myself... the senior players and coaches made it easy for me.” She highlighted her memorable moments, including the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup experience, winning WAFCON, a...

Banyana Banyana will take a crucial step in their preparations for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco when they face Algeria in an international friendly at Princess Magogo Stadium in Durban on Tuesday, 14 April 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 15h00. Desiree Ellis  © BackpagePix The postponement of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) has reshaped Banyana Banyana’s preparations, with head coach Desiree Ellis now viewing the delay as a timely opportunity rather than a setback. Originally scheduled for March 17 to April 3, the tournament was pushed to July 25 to August 16, a decision that initially disrupted plans but has since provided valuable breathing room for the squad. “The disappointment was there of course, we were busy preparing, but in hindsight I think it’s also a blessing in disguise,” Ellis admitted, pointing to the uneven readiness within her squad at the time. With the domestic league yet to kick off, players were at varying sta...

University of the Western Cape (UWC) defender Shakira O’Malley has been named in the Banyana Banyana squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Algeria (7–18 April), as the technical team continues to assess depth and consistency within the backline. Shakira O’Malley © BackpagePix The 23-year-old defender, who was part of the squad at the recent COSAFA Women’s Championship in Polokwane, retains her place in the national setup, taking her senior cap tally to eight. Her continued inclusion points to growing trust from the coaching staff as preparations build toward upcoming continental competitions. O’Malley’s pathway to the senior national team has been gradual but structured. Hailing from Ocean View in Cape Town, she developed through local structures at Ocean View FC before progressing to Spurs WFC, where she gained exposure in a more competitive environment. Her development was further strengthened during her time in the United States, where she featured for the Univ...

In a sporting landscape where female athletes have long had to fight for visibility, respect, and fair treatment, Jessica Mushavathu, popularly known as Auntie Diski, is stepping in as both protector and pioneer. Jessica Mushavathu A respected sports TV personality and passionate advocate for women’s football, Mushavathu is also the founder of Bokamoso Sports Agency — a groundbreaking platform dedicated to representing and empowering female athletes across South Africa.  Getting to know Jessica Her mission is clear: give a voice to those who have been overlooked for far too long. “There Was No Outlet” – Turning Frustration Into Purpose Mushavathu’s entry into player representation was not driven by ambition alone, but by necessity. Years of witnessing inequality in women’s sport pushed her to act. “I think there was a lot of injustice that was happening in the women's sports space that I came across through friends, acquaintances and industry colleagues, which was not solution driv...

For Sinegugu Zondi, representing South Africa women's national football team is more than just stepping onto the pitch — it is about growth, resilience, and constantly striving to improve.  Sinegugu Zondi © BackpagePix The University of the Western Cape Women's Football Team defender recently featured for Banyana Banyana during the COSAFA Women's Championship in Polokwane, where the team battled their way to the final before narrowly falling 2–1 to Namibia women's national football team. Despite the disappointment of the result, Zondi believes the tournament provided invaluable lessons for the squad as they continue preparing for the Women's Africa Cup of Nations that will be hosted in June — venue yet to be confirmed by CAF. Reflecting on the tournament that was staged in Polokwane from February 18 to March 1, 2026, Zondi highlighted the resilience shown by Banyana Banyana throughout the competition. “I think the team showed a lot of character and determination thr...

For nearly two weeks, Polokwane is about to turn into the heartbeat of women’s football as the Hollywoodbets COSAFA Women’s Championship kicks off from 18 February to 1 March. Banyana Banyana The city will live and breathe football, with Old Peter Mokaba Stadium and Seshego Stadium hosting the group-stage battles before the action moves to the grand stage of the New Peter Mokaba Stadium for the semi-finals, third-place playoff and the final. This is where champions are made and rivalries are settled. Banyana Banyana COSAFA Fixtures This year’s tournament promises more than just competition — it brings global stars back home. Fans will have front-row seats to watch Malawi’s lethal forward Temwa Chawinga, who continues to shine in the NWSL with Kansas City, bringing her pace and finishing touch to the COSAFA stage. Zambia will arrive stacked with attacking power, led by Barbra Banda of Orlando Pride and Racheal Kundananji of Bay FC, two forwards who have proven they can deliver at the hi...

The official draw for the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 officially took place on Thursday at the King Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco. With the tournament expanded to a record 16 teams, excitement is already building ahead of the continental showpiece, scheduled from 17 March to 3 April 2026. Andile Dlamini The draw also carries added significance: the competition will double as the African qualifiers for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, making every group stage match a vital step toward global glory. South Africa were drawn into Group B alongside Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Tanzania, a group that immediately raised eyebrows across the continent.   WAFCON POOL DRAW But for Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies and Banyana Banyana’s experienced goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, the focus goes far beyond group permutations. “It’s a very tough group, a difficult group and it’s not going to be easy but we just have to believe in ourselves extremel...

Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies have officially secured the 2025 Hollywoodbets Super League title, making it six championships in a row and further strengthening their legacy as the most dominant team in South African women’s football. What makes this triumph even more impressive is that Sundowns wrapped up the title with two league matches still to play, showcasing their unmatched consistency throughout the season. Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies  © BackpagePix After 28 games, Sundowns sit comfortably at the top of the table with 74 points, built from 24 victories, two draws, and only two losses. Their numbers tell the full story of their dominance — they have scored 80 goals, the highest in the league, and conceded just eight, making them the best attacking and defensive team in the competition. Week after week, Banyana Ba Style have controlled games, moved the ball with intention, and displayed the killer instinct needed to stay at the top. Ezemvelo FC season review Their closest challengers,...