The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is set to play a leading role in the transformation of women’s football in South Africa as the 2026 Hollywoodbets Super League introduces a bold new competition format.
Festival-based
This season, the league will adopt a festival-based structure, with fixtures hosted across all nine provinces. The approach is designed to bring women’s football closer to communities nationwide, while creating a dynamic matchday experience for supporters, players, broadcasters and stakeholders.
For UWC Football Club, the change represents more than just a structural shift. It is an opportunity to showcase the university’s commitment to women’s sport, elevate the visibility of its athletes, and strengthen UWC’s reputation as a hub of excellence in football and community engagement.
The season kicks off from 22–24 May 2026 at the University of Johannesburg, with UWC Football Club opening its campaign against TS Galaxy Queens on Saturday, 23 May at 12:00 at the UJ Soweto Stadium.
Under the new format, every match will be televised or livestreamed – offering unprecedented exposure for clubs and players. For UWC, this means enhanced visibility, stronger player profiles and the chance to inspire the next generation of women athletes, both locally and internationally. Following the official draw broadcast live on SABC 1 on 12 May, UWC Football Club has been placed in the Super Era Stream. This structure forms part of SAFA’s long-term vision to establish structured A and B Divisions from 2027, creating a more competitive and sustainable ecosystem for women’s football.
Renewed energy
UWC Football Club enters the season with renewed energy and a roster strengthened by new signings that include Thalea Smidt, Zoe October, Okuhle Sithole, Keisha Herman, Aaliyah Jacobs and Zimasa Dekeda. These additions reflect UWC’s ambition to compete at the highest level while continuing to nurture talent that embodies the university’s values of resilience, excellence and community impact.
With increased broadcast exposure, national travel and festival-style hosting, the 2026 Hollywoodbets Super League is expected to significantly raise the profile of women’s football in South Africa. For UWC, it is a chance to lead from the front — positioning the university as a champion of women’s sport and a driver of transformation in the national game. As the season begins, UWC Football Club stands ready to embrace this new era, carrying the pride of the University and its community onto the national stage.
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