Basadi in Action Sports

Nigeria have secured their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Venezuela in the quarter-finals on Sunday. The West African side showed patience and determination in a closely contested encounter before finding the breakthrough in the closing stages. With the match heading towards a possible penalty shootout, captain Azeezat Oduntan converted an 89th-minute penalty to secure Nigeria’s passage into the last four. Venezuela proved a difficult opponent, but Nigeria held on during eight minutes of added time to protect their narrow advantage and keep their hopes of lifting the trophy alive. The victory marks Nigeria’s second appearance in the semi-finals of the competition, having previously reached the last four in 2022, when they finished third. The result also gives the team a record fourth victory in regulation time at a single edition of the tournament. Nigeria will now turn their attention to a challenging se...

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...

The stage is set for an intriguing Tshwane derby in the Hollywoodbets Super  League as Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies prepare to face the University of  Pretoria (AmaTuks), with Khunjulwa Mali set to come up against her former club.  @AmaTuks The two sides will meet on Sunday, 20 September at Oscar Mpetha Stadium at the University of Limpopo, with both teams having plenty to play for.  Sundowns currently lead the Super Era stream, while Tuks have established  themselves among the teams challenging near the top of the standings.  For Mali, the fixture carries an added level of significance. Having previously  been part of the Sundowns setup, the midfielder will now face familiar  teammates while wearing the Tuks colours.  Her move to Tuks has provided her with an opportunity to play a more  prominent role and showcase her ability on the field. Although she admits  leaving Sundowns was difficult financially, Mali believes the move has been...

Sithembile Sandleni is proving that her impact extends beyond the classroom, bringing her leadership, discipline and determination to the football pitch for UJ Women’s Football. Born on 12 May 2003 and hailing from Nelspruit, Sandleni is a midfielder for the UJ senior women’s team. Away from football, she has also demonstrated her commitment to academic excellence, graduating with Honours in Sport Science in 2025. © UJ Football Sithembile Sandleni has emerged as one of UJ Women’s Football team’s key figures, combining her talent, determination and leadership to help guide the team to the 2026 Varsity Football final. Sandleni has shown that she is capable of stepping up when her team needs her most. Her latest standout performance came in the semi-final against defending champions UWC, where she was named Player of the Match after playing a crucial role in UJ’s victory. For Sandleni, defeating UWC in open play made the achievement even more special. “I’m excited and happy that we took o...

At just 18 years old, Zoe October has become the youngest player in South Africa's squad for the 2026 CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), marking another milestone in what is shaping up to be a remarkable rise through the ranks of South African women's football. Zoe October  The University of the Western Cape (UWC) attacking midfielder heads to Morocco as part of the Banyana Banyana travelling squad, highlighting not only her immense talent but also the growing impact of the Hollywoodbets Super League in developing the country's next generation of stars. For October, the call-up is the reward for years of dedication and steady progression through the national team pathway. Having already represented South Africa at youth level, she now finds herself sharing a dressing room with some of the country's most accomplished footballers as Banyana Banyana defend their continental crown and chase qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup. A Bright Future ...

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...

Johannesburg, South Africa – The stage is officially set for another exciting edition of the Engen Knockout Challenge Johannesburg, with the U20 Ladies tournament draw now confirmed ahead of the competition taking place from 17–19 July 2026 at Marks Park Sports Club. Recognised as one of South Africa's premier youth football development tournaments, the Engen Knockout Challenge continues to provide a platform for the country's brightest young footballers to showcase their talent while competing for regional honours. The draw has produced several mouth-watering fixtures, with powerhouse clubs, universities, academies and emerging teams all aiming to book their place in the knockout. U20 Ladies Groups Group A • Mamelodi Sundowns FC • SAFA Academy • University of Johannesburg • Rosina Sedibane Sports School Group A promises to be one of the toughest pools, with defending youth football heavyweights Mamelodi Sundowns facing strong opposition from SAFA Academy, UJ and Rosina Sediban...

The Hollywoodbets Super League Amplified Festival concluded at the Mpumalanga Stadium in Hammarsdale, KwaZulu-Natal, with clubs heading into the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) break after an action-packed weekend of football. Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies maintained their perfect record at the top of the Super Era group, while TUT Ladies returned to winning ways and Diepkloof Ladies looked ahead with optimism despite another defeat. The headline fixture of the weekend saw league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies secure an impressive 2-0 victory over previously unbeaten TS Galaxy Queens. Isabella Ludwig gave the Brazilians the perfect start with an early opener before Ronnel Donnelly, making her return after a lengthy injury layoff, sealed the result late in the second half. The victory ensured Sundowns remained flawless after five matches, while TS Galaxy suffered their first defeat of the campaign.  Despite the loss, TS Galaxy head coach Sizwe Sibiya was encouraged by his team...

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 Hollywoodbets Super League Amplified festival returned to Tshwane from 19-21 June, with the University of Pretoria (Tuks) hosting a weekend of league fixtures that highlighted the quality and competitiveness of women’s football in South Africa.  HWBS Top Goal scorers JVW © Backpage TXT The festival got underway on Friday, 19 June, with an entertaining clash between Richmond United and Diepkloof Ladies. Diepkloof Ladies made an early statement when they found the back of the net in the ninth minute, but Richmond United responded almost immediately levelling matters just a minute later. With the match finely balanced heading into the second half, Richmond United returned with renewed energy and determination. Their efforts paid off when Zoe De Kock scored the decisive goal to hand her side the lead and ultimately  secure all the three points. De Kock’s influential performance earned her the Player of the Match award. Reflecting on her display, she admitted that she had a slo...

Banyana Banyana succumbed to a 5-0 defeat to a formidable Japan in the first of the two international friendlies played at the Nagai Ballgame Field. AntoniaMaponya The gap on the FIFA international ranking charts proved the fifth-placed Japan had an upper hand over a 58th-ranked South Africa. In the critical moment of the game, the first minute of the match, Japan scored their first goal. A lapse in concentration from the visiting South Africa resulted in a clean goal from the boot of Kiko Seike, who beat Andile Dlamini on the first post. With Japan commanding a lion's share of the possession, forcing Banyana Banyana to play more back passes, pinning them in their half, and committing errors. Banyana Banyana skipper, Refiloe Jane, lost the ball on the verge of her box, which resulted in Japan winning possession, and Nagano spotted the run of Sieke and played her through; the latter slotted it past Andile Jane to give Japan their second goal in the 18th minute. With South Africa cha...

Marumo Gallants have marked a significant milestone in their commitment to women’s football following the acquisition and official launch of Diepkloof Ladies, who are set to compete in the Hollywoodbets Super League. The move will now operate under the club's women empowerment CSI initiative known as Marumo Cares to reinforce a growing trend of professional clubs investing in the women’s game, providing greater structure, visibility, and opportunity. The launch signals more than participation—it represents a clear vision for long-term growth, driven by Technical Director Anna Monate. Central to her philosophy is recruiting players with strong character and untapped potential. “I want players with characters,  you can tell when a player is hungry,” Monate said. “I didn’t understand why these teams got rid of these players, but can they be given a chance?” Her approach focuses on restoring belief and offering opportunities to overlooked talent, building a team rooted in resilience an...

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 13th edition of the HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA Women’s Championship burst into life at the iconic Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, delivering goals, standout individual performances and early statements of intent across Groups A, B and C. South Africa  © Gallo Images Group A: Angola and Hosts South Africa Off to Winning Starts The tournament opened with a Group A clash between Lesotho and Angola at 12h00. Angola proved too strong on the day, securing victory in the curtain-raiser and immediately positioning themselves as serious contenders in the group. Arminda Lopes was instrumental in her side’s success and walked away with the Player of the Match accolade after a commanding performance. In the second fixture at 15h00, hosts South Africa women's national football team thrilled the home crowd with a winning display against Malawi. Banyana Banyana showed composure and attacking fluidity as they kicked off their title charge in style. Nthabiseng Majiya’s impact did not go unnoti...

South African women’s football continues to rise with the Hollywoodbets Super League that has grown in competitiveness and visibility. Clubs such as Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, TS Galaxy Queens and JVW FC are  raising standards and inspiring young players nationwide. Kira Kutzinski  ©  Across Europe, women’s football has benefited from decades of structured development, league systems and institutional backing. In Germany, one club reflecting that steady progress is DSC Arminia Bielefeld, whose women’s department celebrates 50 years of existence. At the heart of their current journey stands 26-year-old goalkeeper Kira Kutzinski — a player whose pathway reflects the value of structure, resilience and long-term vision. A Journey Defined by Resilience Kira joined Arminia in the summer of 2024 after returning from the United States, where she played college soccer at the University of Maine. Originally from the Bielefeld region, she explored her options upon returning home, sec...

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...

At just 21, striker Ronnel Tammlyn Donnelly is learning that even in elite football, challenges can strike when least expected. Shortly after joining Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, Donnelly suffered a serious knee injury during the CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA Qualifiers against Zesco Ndola Girls of Zambia — a moment that could have shaken even the strongest athletes. Ronnel Donnelly  © Backpagepix “As soon as I heard my knee pop, I knew something was wrong. The pain was overwhelming, and I was filled with frustration and disbelief,” Donnelly recalls. “It was devastating because I had just arrived at the tournament. But I believe everything happens for a reason, and I’ve put my trust in God.” Donnelly revealed that the injury was a major setback, especially so early in her Sundowns journey, labeling it as horror: "I'd worked so hard to get to this point, and to see it all potentially slipping away was just heartbreaking. It was a storm of emotions and I think I was in shock,...

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....

When Lonwabo Miso walked up to the stage at Multichoice City to accept the Broadcast Journalist of the Year Award at the SAFJA Awards, it was a full-circle moment. For someone who never set out to be in sports broadcasting, her journey is a reminder that sometimes, life has a way of leading us exactly where we’re meant to be. Lonwabo Miso For many, Miso is the confident voice on Radio 2000 or the sharp, engaging presenter on SABC Sport, but behind the microphone is a story shaped by unexpected turns, bold chances, and a passion rooted in family and community. From Architecture to Airwaves Surprisingly, broadcasting wasn’t always in her plans. “I actually studied Architectural Draughting at first,” she recalls. But fate had other ideas. An audition at Voice of Wits (VOW FM) became the catalyst for a new journey. Not only did she land a slot at the campus station, but she also earned a bursary to study at the Wits Radio Academy — the real beginning of her broadcasting career. Raised in K...

Every August, South Africa celebrates Women’s Month — a time to honour the trailblazers, change-makers, and everyday heroines shaping the future. In sport, these women are not just breaking barriers on the field but also redefining leadership, visibility, and opportunity off it. Among them is Indira Sofia Albuquerque, a former footballer turned sports marketing professional whose journey reflects both the challenges and the promise of women’s football.   Indira Sofia Albuquerque “I’ve always had a love for sport,” she begins with a smile. “I was a shy child, but being on a track, a field, or a court was my language.”  Hollywoodbets SL Log Indira’s early sporting life was a mix of athletics, netball, and tennis. Football only entered the picture when she was about 15 or 16. “I was a late bloomer,” she narrated, “but my athletic ability quickly made me stand out.” Not long after she started playing, South African football icon Janine van Wyk scouted her for her newly establ...