Basadi in Action Sports

TS Galaxy Queens' ongoing salary crisis has taken a new turn, with several senior players refusing to travel with the team for Friday's Hollywoodbets Super League fixture against Diepkloof Ladies in Gqeberha. Basadi in Action understands that Banyana Banyana midfielder and captain Refiloe Jane, alongside experienced players Leandra Smeda, Dineo Magagula, Nicole Michael, Noluthando Vilakazi, Lesego Nkoane and others did not make the trip to the Eastern Cape in protest over outstanding salaries. The players' decision comes after months of reported uncertainty surrounding salary payments at the club. Information gathered by Basadi in Action indicates that players and members of the technical team have not been paid consistently since the beginning of 2026 with their payments from 2025 only being made this year. By September, some players and technical staff members were reportedly owed at least four months' salaries. The players have also reportedly not heard from the club...

The Hollywoodbets Super League returns to action this weekend with TS Galaxy Queens facing Diepkloof Ladies FC at the Westbourne Oval Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday afternoon, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00. The fixture offers Diepkloof an opportunity to rewrite the story of their first meeting with the Rockets this season. When the two sides crossed paths at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on 26 June, Galaxy Queens emerged 4-1 winners in a five-goal encounter. Leandra Smeda struck twice, while captain Refiloe Jane and Babalwa Mngxunya also found the back of the net to put the Rockets firmly in control. Jamie-Lee Witbooi managed to pull one back for Diepkloof from the penalty spot in the dying stages, but the damage had already been done. With the Rockets claiming the bragging rights in the reverse fixture, Diepkloof will arrive in Gqeberha with more than three points on their minds as they look to respond to that heavy first-leg defeat. Galaxy Queens currently occupy fou...

The third round of the Hollywoodbets Super League Amplified in Polokwane delivered a weekend packed with statement performances as teams from the Super Era and Super Rise groups continued to fight for early-season points at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium. Lebohang Ramalepe UJ Ladies set the tone on Friday The University of Johannesburg Ladies won a thrilling university derby 4-2 against TUT Matsatsantsa, with Mpho Dlamini netting a brace and earning Player of the Match as UJ climbed into the top two of the Super Rise standings. UJ recorded their second win in three games, their only defeat was to Fort Hare, losing 2-0 in Pretoria.  Later in the day, TS Galaxy Queens continued their strong start by beating Diepkloof Ladies 4-1, with Leandra Smeda scoring twice and Refiloe Jane as well as Babalwa Mngxunya adding another goal to keep Galaxy as strong contenders for the league title. TS Galaxy Queens Head Coach Sizwe Sibiya said that his game plan for this fixture was well executed, “One...

The 2026 Pirates Cup in Auckland Park at UJ AW Muller Stadium has witnessed TS Galaxy Queens emerge as the dominant force in Group D, topping the table and securing their place in the quarterfinals after a thrilling set of matches. TS Galaxy Top Group D as Pirates Cup Quarterfinals Looms,they collected seven points, equal to TUKS, however edged ahead due to a superior goal difference of +9 compared to TUKS’ +7, demonstrating their attacking prowess and defensive resilience. Sizwe Sibiya Galaxy announced their arrival with a stunning 5-0 victory over United Ladies. Samkelisiwe Selana, Relebogile Phala, Nomfundo Buthelezi, Lone Gaofeoge, and Leandra Smeda all found the back of the net, showcasing a squad brimming with talent. They continued their dominance with a 4-0 triumph over Mpumalanga Rising Stars, thanks to goals from Khanyisa Manengela, Lesego Nkoane, Nicole Machael, and Buthelezi, highlighting their clinical finishing and tactical discipline. A hard-fought 1-1 draw against TUKS,...

The 2025 Hollywoodbets Super League Awards lit up the Vodacom Dome in Midrand on Sunday, 1 February, as South Africa’s top-tier women’s football league honoured the standout performers from another fiercely competitive season. Leadra Smeda TS Galaxy Queens forward Leandra Smeda was the biggest winner of the night, walking away with two major accolades. She claimed the Top Goal Scorer award after a sensational campaign that saw her net 22 goals, and was also crowned Player of the Season, underlining her impact and consistency throughout the year. The Young Player of the Season award and Player’s Player award went to Bonolo Mokoma of JVW FC, who continues to impress with her maturity and performances at a young age. An emotional Mokoma dedicated her award to her mother, saying: “I feel excited and I am dedicating this award to my mother because she sacrifices herself a lot for me.” Karabo Mokoma Champions Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies also had their moment on stage as they were officially pre...

The countdown to the 2025 Hollywoodbets Super League Awards is officially on, following an announcement by the league sponsor’s unveiling the nominees ahead of the new season. The awards ceremony will take place on Sunday, 1 February, at the Vodacom Dome in Midrand, celebrating the standout performers from another highly competitive campaign in South Africa’s top-tier women’s football league. Boitumelo Rasehlo Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies once again asserted their dominance, securing their sixth Hollywoodbets Super League (HWBSL) title after a commanding season. Behind them, the battle for second place went down to the wire, with JVW FC and TS Galaxy Queens both finishing on 69 points. JVW cemented their position based on goal difference to claim second place, underlining the fine margins that defined the 2025 season. TS Galaxy Queens enjoyed an exceptional individual campaign, particularly in attack and defence. Goalkeeper Dineo Magagula recorded the most clean sheets in the league with 1...

When the final whistle confirmed the end of the Hollywoodbets Super League campaign, the numbers told a powerful story — but the real influence was felt in goal. Dineo Magagula Magagula finished the season with 19 clean sheets, the most by any goalkeeper in the league, anchoring a TS Galaxy Queens side that surged to third place, winning 21 matches, drawing six and losing just three. Just as telling was the defensive shift. Galaxy Queens conceded only 18 goals, down from 28 the previous season — a transformation built on structure, communication and trust at the back. “It means a lot to me achieving this goal that I have worked hard for, and it shows hard work on and off the field,” Magagula said. Hailing from Kgaphamadi in Limpopo, Magagula’s rise has been defined by steady growth rather than sudden spotlight. Over the past season, she refined the modern demands of goalkeeping — becoming not only a shot-stopper, but an organiser and sweeper behind the defensive line. “I worked more on...

The Hollywoodbets Super League heads into another decisive weekend with the race for the title heating up at the top of the table. TS Galaxy Queens remain log leaders after 18 matches, collecting 43 points from 13 wins, four draws, and a single defeat. Their formidable defensive record – just seven goals conceded all season – has been the backbone of their campaign, while experienced forward Leandra Smeda continues to shine as the league’s leading scorer with 13 goals. TS Galaxy Queens  © Gallo Images Just two points behind, with a game in hand, are reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies. The Tshwane giants have scored more than any other side this season, finding the net 41 times while conceding only five. With 41 points from 17 outings, Jerry Tshabalala’s charges know that victory this weekend could propel them back to the top. The University of Fort Hare have been this season’s surprise package, punching well above their weight in third place with 39 points from 22 matches....

From Velddrif in the Western Cape to stadiums across Europe and North Africa, Leandra Smeda has built an impressive career in football. She has played in Spain, Sweden, Portugal, and Egypt, showcasing her skill on some of the biggest stages. Now, she’s returned to South Africa to join TS Galaxy Queens, ready to add her expertise to the growing Hollywoodbets Super League. Leandra Smeda  © X (TSGalaxyQueens) After years of playing abroad, Smeda is back in South Africa as she joined TS Galaxy Queens for the new season. Her decision was driven by the club’s vision and the opportunity to contribute her wealth of experience to a growing team. “TS Galaxy Queens is an ambitious club, and I’m excited to be part of their journey,” she shares. “I believe I can bring my experience from playing in different leagues to help the team grow and challenge for top honors.” The winger has played for an array of teams, including FC Masar in Egypt and FC Nordsjaelland in Denmark, two clubs affiliated wi...

The Pirates Cup tournament, held from March 28th to April 1st, brought together young male and female soccer players for an exhilarating display of talent and teamwork. Among the highlights of the event was an exclusive interview with Nonkosi Twayise, a former student-athlete who made her coaching debut with the WITS Junior team in the women's division. Nonkosi Twayise in action for WITS during an official Sasol League match. Twayise’s love for the game took a turn during her time at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), where she not only pursued her studies in Banking and Economics but also showcased her talent on the football field. Fast forward to today and she finds herself in a new role – that of a coach. But her fascination for football goes back to when she was just a spectator as a young girl. “I used to be a hockey lover, I played this sport [hockey] in primary school. Football was one of those sports I used to go watch as my older brother used to play, which then triggere...

South Africa’s Women’s senior national team continue their journey to return to the Olympics stage after missing out in the last occasion (2020). The 2024 Olympics will be hosted by France’s Paris from July 26 to August 11 and two legs await South Africa against Nigeria. Banyana Banyana are in the final round of the qualifiers, the first scheduled encounter is set for the 5th of April in Nigeria, four days later is the return fixture on the 9th of April at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in South Africa. Image Source: Lesego_11 In the thick of preparations for the crucial battle, I had the privilege of sitting down with one of the team's rising stars, a player who fell in love with the game from the age of 9-years old, little did she know that her journey to the national team would be nothing short of remarkable.  Lesego Nkoane is a dynamic midfielder who formed part of South Africa’s national youth ranks, having featured in the U17 and U20  National colours. Nkoane recently made her ...

Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies and TS Galaxy Queens face off for the third time in the Hollywoodbets Super League at UJ Soweto Stadium on Saturday at 1 pm. Photocred: Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies The first meeting between these two sides took place on the 12th of March, 2023, in Mpumalanga. The tension was palpable as the game ended in a 1-1 draw with Andisiwe Mgcoyi scoring for Banyna Ba Style while Mamello Makhabane put one in for Galaxy. The second encounter saw Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies secure a 1-0 victory, and the Chloorkop based team is yet to face a defeat against their Mpumalanga rivals. This matchup has not produced more than three goals, the most has been two, while none of the teams have scored more than two goals. Galaxy have failed to keep a cleansheet in their two encounters in this fixture, while Downs have protected their posts only once. Photocred: TS Galaxy Queens Key players: Andisiwe Mgcoyi stands out as the only player from Sundowns Ladies to have found the back of the net. ...