History in the making: Kaizer Chiefs officially launch women’s team

Kaizer Chiefs have established their own women’s team, the Kaizer Chiefs Ladies, stating the decision is about building real pathways in the country for women in the game.

After much anticipation, Chiefs officially launched their ladies’ team on Tuesday afternoon in Daveyton, Benoni, by purchasing Springs Home Sweepers (SHS), which was founded by former Banyana Bafana coach Joseph “Skheshekheshe” Mkhonza.

“(Tuesday) marks a historic milestone as we officially unveil Kaizer Chiefs Ladies,” the club announced in a statement on their social media platforms.

“We aren’t just joining the league; we are honouring the years of work by pioneers like SHS and (Mkhonza), to ensure that every girl child knows there is a place for her at the 'Home of Legends'.”

The team, which will be coached by Unathi Mbena and assisted by Justice Khunou, has a squad of 24 players and is a combination of experience and elite young talent.

The group includes former Banyana midfielder Mamello Makhabane, along with junior internationals Zanele Kunyamane and Katlego Mohale. The squad also features players with experience in the Hollywoodbets Super League, adding depth and competitiveness to the team.

In an attempt to usher in the new era, while honouring some of the club’s origins, Chiefs will play their home matches between the club’s plush Taung Village’s grounds at Naturena and KwaThema Stadium, south-west of Springs in the Ekurhuleni.

Given their stature in South African football, pressure has mounted in recent years on Chiefs to establish a ladies’ team. The move to heed that call could be regarded as a breakthroughs in South African women’s football.

Though set to campaign in the second tier Gauteng Sasol League, it is hoped that the Amakhosi’s involvement in women’s football will aid the call for more sponsors and help the semi-professional league to become fully professional. Chiefs now joins fellow PSL clubs Mamelodi Sundowns, TS Galaxy, and the University of Pretoria as teams with professional women’s teams.

With the establishment of the club, Chiefs have also ticked one of the CAF requirements for a team to be eligible to play in pan-African club competitions.

When the collaboration between Chiefs and SHS was announced in the winter of 2025, Mkhonza, who is also the father of the late Chiefs’ defender Siphiwe Mkhonza, expressed gratitude for their involvement in the deal.

“We’re extremely proud to partner with a club of Chiefs’ stature. Their involvement signals real intent and belief in the women’s game,” he said at the time. “This is also a great opportunity to grow our footprint in our area and continue to build a platform for young female talent to thrive.”

With Chiefs’ commercial and marketing director, Jessica Motaung, having served on the Women Football Standing Committee from 2022 to 2024, this move by the club marks a significant era in her strong advocacy for women’s football.

“This is about building real pathways for women in the game," Motaung said, amid the launch of the ladies' team.

"The women’s game is growing rapidly across the world, and South Africa 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 Chiefs and within the global game.”