Basadi in Action

Posts

Unathi Simayile: "Representing my country is an incredible honor, and it's a milestone that I'm very proud of."

As the Hollywoodbets Super League season in full swing, University of the Western Cape (UWC) are gearing up for their league opener taking on defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies and defender Unathi Simayile is preparing for one of the biggest games of her career. The 23-year-old from Cape Town, who recently earned her first call-up to the South African Women’s Senior National Team, sat down with us to discuss her journey as a student-athlete, her national team experience, and her mindset heading into the season opener. Unathi Simayile © Gallo Images Stepping Up to the National Team Q: You recently received a call-up to the South African Women’s Senior National Team. How does playing at that level compare to club football? Unathi Simayile: Playing for the national team is a significant step up from club football. The intensity and level of competition are much higher, with the best players from around the country competing against each other. Every game is a b...

Hollywoodbets Super League Weekend Preview

The Hollywoodbets Super League is underway for the 2025 season and this Sunday two thrilling fixtures are on the cards as TUT Matsatsantsa Ladies take on First Touch Ladies, while reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies face JVW FC. Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies vs JVW FC Gallo Images TUT Matsatsantsa Ladies and First Touch Ladies are expected to deliver a tightly contested match, while JVW FC faces an uphill battle against Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies. Here's how the teams stack up against each other ahead of these crucial matchups. TUT Matsatsantsa vs First Touch Ladies Kick off: 11:30am This fixture has been a closely contested affair since the 2020-21 season, with both teams looking to assert dominance. The head-to-head record favors First Touch Ladies, who have claimed victory in four of their eight encounters, while TUT Matsatsantsa have managed only two wins. The remaining two fixtures ended in draws. TUT Matsatsantsa Ladies © Gallo Images Head-to-Head: Games Played: 8 TUT...

JVW Head coach Janine Van Wyk leads the squad into their season opener this Sunday

Janine Van Wyk is no stranger to South African football. As a veteran defender, former national team captain, and founder of JVW FC, her influence on the women’s game has been undeniable. Now, she embarks on a new journey as head coach of JVW FC in the Hollywoodbets Super League. We caught up with her to discuss her transition from player to coach, her expectations for the season, and the broader landscape of women’s football in South Africa. Janine Van Wyk © Gallo Images From Captain to Coach: A New Challenge Transitioning from a playing role to coaching is never easy, and Van Wyk acknowledges the challenges she has faced in her new position. “Shifting from playing to coaching has been a big adjustment, especially in terms of decision-making. As a player, you focus on your own performance, but as a coach, you have to manage an entire squad, balance different personalities, and make tough tactical and selection decisions,” she says. Another challenge has been separating my p...

Bongiwe Nhleko Sets Sight on a Third Consecutive Title with Bulls Daisies

The Bulls Daisies continue to assert their dominance in the Women’s Premier Division, firmly holding onto the top spot on the log with a four-point lead over the second-placed Sanlam Boland Dames. As two-time defending champions, the team is determined to secure a third consecutive title, making every match crucial in their journey. After a brief mid-season break, the Daisies return to action this weekend, preparing to face Border, the pride of the Eastern Cape and the 2020 Women’s Premier Division winners. Springboks Women: 7s Fixtures The stakes are high as the Bulls Daisies gear up for the remainder of the season, and their coaching staff plays a pivotal role in ensuring continued success. Among them is newly appointed assistant coach, Bongiwe Nhleko, a former player turned mentor whose journey into coaching is as inspiring as it is impactful. Bongiwe Nhleko © Gallo Images Nhleko is carving a path for women in rugby coaching, proving that passion, hard work, and resilienc...

DR Desiree Ellis Emphasizes Youth in Banyana Squad for Lesotho Friendlies

Banyana Banyana Head DR Desiree Ellis has announced a youthful preliminary squad for the upcoming international friendly matches against Lesotho, scheduled for February 22 and 25. The squad is composed primarily of young players, including several who have represented South Africa at the U-17 level, others currently playing in university structures, and a number of first-time senior national team call-ups. DR. Desiree Ellis © Gallo Images Speaking at a press briefing in Johannesburg, DR Ellis highlighted the strategic decision to give young players a chance, emphasizing the need to build depth and expose emerging talent to the international stage. “It’s an opportunity for these players that played at COSAFA to be given an opportunity and players that we’ve seen in the league, that we have watched for a couple of years and the U-17 players that have done really, really well,” she said. Some of the selected players have only featured at the COSAFA level and have not yet made t...

Kicking It with Hildah Magaia: 9 Moments with the Breadwinner

Hildah Magaia is a name known on international and local football stages and a name that will go down as one of the favourites in South African football history books. Known for her impeccable skill on the pitch and her determination to break barriers, Hildah has made a name for herself as one of the country’s most prolific strikers. From her early days at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) to the grand stages of international football, her journey has been nothing short of inspiring. Hildah Magaia © Gallo Images Nicknamed "The Breadwinner" for her capability on delivering when it matters most, Magaia helped Banyana Banyana win the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in 2022. She then played a pivotal role in leading South Africa to their first-ever Round of 16 at the Women’s FIFA World Cup in 2023. Having recently made the move from Kansas City Current in the United States to Club Tijuana Femenil in Mexico, Hildah continues to break barriers and inspire the next gener...

Leandra Smeda’s Return Home After International Success to strengthen the Hollywoodbets Super League

From Velddrif in the Western Cape to stadiums across Europe and North Africa, Leandra Smeda has built an impressive career in football. She has played in Spain, Sweden, Portugal, and Egypt, showcasing her skill on some of the biggest stages. Now, she’s returned to South Africa to join TS Galaxy Queens, ready to add her expertise to the growing Hollywoodbets Super League. Leandra Smeda © X (TSGalaxyQueens) After years of playing abroad, Smeda is back in South Africa as she joined TS Galaxy Queens for the new season. Her decision was driven by the club’s vision and the opportunity to contribute her wealth of experience to a growing team. “TS Galaxy Queens is an ambitious club, and I’m excited to be part of their journey,” she shares. “I believe I can bring my experience from playing in different leagues to help the team grow and challenge for top honors.” The winger has played for an array of teams, including FC Masar in Egypt and FC Nordsjaelland in Denmark, two clubs affiliated wi...