Suggesting being the first ever Kaizer Chiefs Ladies coach was a full circle moment for her as a lifelong fan of the club, coach Unathi Mabena has outlined their plans of gaining promotion to the Hollywoodbets Super League.
“We are here to try and compete as best as we can. The dream and the vision is to, probably within, maximum maybe two to three seasons to see us up in the Hollywoodbets Super League,” Mabena, who holds a CAF A licence, said during the official launch of Chiefs Ladies at Brima Cafe in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni, on Tuesday.
“We’ve set ourselves that target...if it happens sooner, it’s a bonus for us, but we don’t want to put ourselves under pressure. We just want to stabilise ourselves within the league, especially since we are a new team.”
Kaizer Chiefs Ladies coach Unathi Mabena says they aim to gain promotion to the Hollywood Bets Super League in at least three years.https://t.co/Y5EwziAF3s
— Sowetan (@Sowetan1981) April 1, 2026
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Chiefs Ladies will compete in the Gauteng Sasol League, which is a second-tier of women’s football in SA. Mabena, who previously served as a youth coach and senior assistant coach at Hollywoodbets Super League side JVW, couldn’t hide her excitement about coaching her childhood club, Chiefs.
“For me it’s very exciting. It’s been a lifelong dream, not solely for me but also for the players, and I think for the country as whole...we’ve been calling for Kaizer Chiefs to have a ladies team. So, I think this is one historic moment, where a team has been finally formed,” Mabena stated.
“I’ve been a Chiefs fan for as long as I can remember. When I started playing football, my very first soccer boots I bought were Doctor Khumalo Puma boots, so that’s how far back a fan I am. I have been following this brand and I am excited to be part of it now.”
Brima Logistics is Chiefs Ladies’ first sponsor, as unveiled at the official launch of the team on Tuesday. Amakhosi Ladies squad consists of 24 players, with former Banyana Banyana midfielder Mamello Makhabane, along junior internationals Zanele Kunyamane and Katlego Mohale, headlining the list.
Chiefs marketing director Jessica Motaung highlighted the significance of opening opportunities for women in football.
“This is about building real pathways for women in the game. The women’s game is growing rapidly across the world, and SA 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,” Motaung stated.
Sowetan
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