On the eve of an historic moment for the Club, Kaizer Chiefs hosted a special cocktail gathering at the Kaizer Chiefs Village on Saturday afternoon to honour women whose contribution to football has helped shape the growth of the women’s game in South Africa and beyond.

Hosted by Kaizer Chiefs Marketing and Commercial Director, Jessica Motaung, the occasion formed part of the Club’s build up to the first official match of the newly established Kaizer Chiefs Ladies side, which takes place against Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies at Tsakane Stadium on Sunday. 

The gathering brought together women leaders, former players, football administrators and commercial partners whose influence has carried the women’s game through different eras of its development. Among those in attendance were former SAFA Director of Women’s Football, Fran Hilton-Smith, Banyana Banyana legend, Portia Modise, former Kaizer Chiefs Brand Manager, Dara Carrol and Kaizer Chiefs Ladies Head Coach, Unathi Mabena.

The event was also attended by Brima Logistics executives, Matsietsi Mekoa and Tshepo Mekoa, whose company became the official partner of the Ladies team earlier this year.

The gathering served to recognise the women who invested years into the advancement of women’s football during periods when opportunities, visibility and commercial backing were limited. It was equally a moment to acknowledge those whose support and encouragement played a role in the establishment of the Kaizer Chiefs Ladies project.

Addressing the guests, Motaung reflected on the importance of bringing together individuals who have contributed to the game across generations. “It is a privilege to share a room with women and leaders whose contribution to football has helped build the foundation from which many now benefit. The journey of women’s football has not been easy, but moments like this remind us that progress is possible when there is commitment, vision and people who genuinely care about the growth of the game,” Motaung said.

She further acknowledged the extensive work undertaken behind the scenes to establish the Club’s women’s team. “The launch of Kaizer Chiefs Ladies did not happen overnight. It required planning, collaboration and belief from many people across different spaces. As a Club, we understood the responsibility that comes with entering women’s football and we wanted to ensure that this project is built with purpose and long-term vision.”

Hilton-Smith, regarded as one of the pioneers of women’s football development in South Africa, welcomed the entry of major football institutions into the women’s game. “For women’s football to continue growing sustainably, it is important for clubs with strong structures and influence to become part of the sport. The involvement of Chiefs is an important moment for the future of the women’s game in South Africa,” she said.

Brima Logistics officially partnered with the team when the Club launched Kaizer Chiefs Ladies in March. Speaking during the evening, Tshepo Mekoa highlighted the importance of corporate support within women’s sport. “Business has an important role to play in the development of women’s football. Supporting structures like these is an investment to the players, which is an opportunity opens opportunities to the playing careers and a dream of playing the game at the highest level,” said Mekoa.

Sunday’s fixture between Kaizer Chiefs Ladies and Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies marks the formal arrival of one of African football’s most recognisable institutions into women’s football, while also reflecting the continued growth and increasing significance of the women’s game within the South African sporting landscape.

Kick off at Tsakane Stadium is scheduled for 13h00.