Wikipedia - SAFA Women's League

The SAFA Women's League, known as Hollywoodbets Super League for sponsorship reasons, is the top flight of women's association football in South Africa. The competition is run by the South African Football Association. The league comprises 16 (originally 12) teams which won promotion from their respective Sasol Women's Provincial League divisions. The champion now earns entry into the COSAFA Women's Champions League.

History

Prior to the formation of the SAFA Women's League in 2019, a series of predecessor competitions crowned an annual national women's champion club for South Africa.

Inter-Provincial Women’s Championship (1976–1990)

Women's football started in 1976 by founding an Inter-Provincial Championship until 1990. Natal United FC have a record of 9 championships.

SAFA Women's Championship (2001-2009)

From 2001 until 2009, a series of championships were organized by SAFA between the champion of each SAFA Region or province. In 2001-2002 this was known as the Sanlam National Women's Championship and involved champions of SAFA's then-25 regions. In 2005-06, the national playoffs were known as the Vodacom Women's League. In 2008-09, this event was replaced by the Absa Women's League, which later became SAFA's regional league (sub-provincial).

Sasol Women’s National League (2009–2019)

The Sasol Women's League is a provincial women's football league which was formed in 2009 when Sasol and the South African Football Association (SAFA) went into partnership for women's football in South Africa. The league runs separate leagues for each of the nine provinces, and brings their champions together to play the National Championship, and its winner is promoted to the SAFA Women's League. Following the formation of the SAFA Women's League, the Sasol League became its second-tier / feeder league and no longer crowned the national champion.

SAFA Women's League (2019–present)

Following rumors as early as 2017 of SAFA establishing a professional women's league, the association indeed announced the formation of the SAFA Women's National League in August 2019. The new league replaced the previous inter-regional play (which had been limited only to the national championship tournament) with a national double-round-robin league of the country's top clubs. The league's first season was played in 2019-20, and began with the previous season's respective provincial champions, plus two women's affiliates of PSL clubs and the university league champion, as the initial 12 members. The initial season's start date was pushed back to August 2019 in order to accommodate Banyana Banyana's participation at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup. In the first two seasons, there was no relegation: 2 teams were promoted to make 14 in 2020, and another 2 were promoted to make 16 in 2021, with relegation then beginning in the 2022 season.

**South Africa League Women: Tournament Description**

The South Africa League Women is a premier women's soccer tournament that showcases the incredible talent and passion of female athletes across the nation. Established to promote women's football and provide a competitive platform for teams, this league has quickly become a cornerstone of South African sports culture.

Featuring a diverse array of clubs from various regions, the tournament brings together some of the best female soccer players in the country, each vying for glory and recognition. The league operates on a structured format, with teams competing in a series of matches throughout the season, culminating in an exciting playoff series to determine the champion.

The South Africa League Women not only emphasizes athletic excellence but also aims to inspire the next generation of female soccer players. With a focus on empowerment, community engagement, and the promotion of women's sports, the league serves as a vital stepping stone for players aspiring to reach national and international levels.

Fans can expect thrilling matches filled with skillful play, strategic teamwork, and unforgettable moments. The league also prioritizes inclusivity and diversity, ensuring that women from all backgrounds have the opportunity to participate and shine on the field.

Join us in celebrating the spirit of competition, camaraderie, and the relentless pursuit of excellence at the South Africa League Women, where every match is a testament to the strength and determination of women in sports.