It was in January 2023 when Kaizer Chiefs first signaled their intent to launch a women’s team.
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The announcement, made by Marketing Director Jessica Motaung, hinted at big ambitions. Chiefs, one of South African football’s most iconic institutions, were finally ready to follow the example set by clubs like Mamelodi Sundowns and TS Galaxy by investing in the women’s game.
Fast forward nearly two years, and one question lingers: Where is Kaizer Chiefs’ women’s team?
Back then, there was a strong sense of momentum. Motaung had confirmed negotiations to acquire an existing Hollywoodbets Super League status were underway, describing it as the best and most realistic route forward rather than building a team from scratch.
“We are in negotiations and discussions, and (we are) very excited about what the future holds for us as Kaizer Chiefs,” she said at the time. “If we want to play at the Hollywoodbets level, we have to [purchase a status].”
There was even a timeline — Motaung suggested the club could have a team ready by the time the Hollywoodbets Super League resumed in February 2024. The idea wasn’t just about representation. Chiefs were eyeing a bigger picture that included eventual participation in the CAF Women’s Champions League.
But since those encouraging statements, progress has largely stalled. Chiefs fans have waited patiently for an update. There’s been no formal unveiling of a team, no announcement of a squad or coach, and no indication of which status — if any — the club may have acquired.
Now, with Chiefs having secured passage to the CAF Confederation Cup, the timing to revisit the conversation couldn’t be more appropriate. Motaung recently spoke again on the issue during the CAF Champions League trophy unveiling in Rosebank.
“We have to move into that space,” she insisted. “It’s going to be a staggered approach and certainly something we have to look at, but South Africa has to look at professionalising it. The current status needs to be reviewed to make sure it’s feasible. Clubs are struggling. They don’t have the financial resources to hold it up, and you see that at the Sasol League and the Hollywoodbets League.”
Her comments acknowledge the broader challenges faced by women’s football in the country — from financial sustainability to the structure of the leagues themselves. But she also emphasized that the club is not interested in lip service.
“It’s either we do it in the best way possible. Now that we are in CAF, it’s important that we do it and we do it right,” Motaung added.
And that is perhaps the most telling remark. Chiefs are aware of the growing expectations around women's football, both locally and continentally. CAF is pushing harder than ever to grow the women’s game, and elite clubs are expected to follow suit.
Mamelodi Sundowns' Ladies have already set the bar, winning continental titles and building a formidable brand of their own. TS Galaxy are also active in the space. So where are Amakhosi?
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