SPU women’s football team makes historic Sasol League debut against Royal Wizards

The Sol Plaatje University (SPU) women’s football team made history on Sunday as they stepped onto the field for the first time in the prestigious Sasol Women’s Football League. After being crowned Frances Baard Regional Champions for the 2024 season, SPU earned their promotion to the Northern Cape Provincial League, marking a major milestone in the team’s development and ambition.

The Sasol Women’s League, South Africa’s leading semi-professional women’s football competition, features over 140 teams across all nine provinces. It plays a pivotal role in nurturing talent, offering crucial exposure and competitive match experience for female footballers across the country. The league also serves as a direct pathway to the Hollywoodbets Super League, the highest level of women’s football in the country.

Now part of a provincial lineup that includes 18 teams divided into two streams (A and B), SPU were handed a formidable opening assignment, facing the Royal Wizards, the reigning provincial champions who have dominated the league for the past three seasons.

The match took place at the SPU Sports Precinct on the university’s South Campus, drawing a crowd eager to witness the start of a new chapter in SPU women’s football. Despite a spirited and determined performance, SPU were outclassed by the more experienced Royal Wizards, who clinched a convincing 4-1 victory.

Although the result did not go in their favour, SPU’s debut in the Sasol League signifies the team’s rise and growing presence in provincial football. Their inclusion in the Northern Cape stream stands as a testament to the progress and potential of women’s football at the university level in the region.

As the season unfolds, SPU will aim to build on their strong regional campaign and use this experience to continue developing their squad and challenging for future honours.