The arrival of the Kaizer Chiefs Ladies team in 2026 is one of the most significant shifts in the landscape of South African women’s football.
For decades, the “Gold and Black” had been the missing piece in the professionalization of the women’s game.
With their official launch in Daveyton on March 31, 2026, the Amakhosi have finally entered the fray, acquiring the status of Springs Home Sweepers to compete in the Gauteng Sasol League.
While the club has kept some of the full 24-player roster under wraps as they finalize registrations, the core “spine” of the team features a high-caliber blend of international experience and explosive youth.
The Tactical Core: Key Players to Watch
The 2026 squad is built around the philosophy of “Experience guiding Talent.” Leading the charge is arguably the most high-profile signing in the history of the Sasol League:
1. Mamello Makhabane (Midfield/Defense)
Known affectionately as “Juju,” the former Banyana Banyana legend is the crown jewel of this inaugural squad.
Having parted ways with TS Galaxy at the end of the previous Hollywoodbets Super League season, her move to Chiefs as a free agent was a massive statement of intent.
Makhabane brings over a decade of international experience, providing the tactical discipline and leadership required to navigate the pressures of wearing the Chiefs jersey.
2. Zanele Kunyamane (Midfield)
A Junior International with a reputation for high-intensity work rates, Kunyamane is expected to be the engine room of the Chiefs’ midfield.
Her ability to break up play and transition into attack fits perfectly with the aggressive pressing style favored by Head Coach Unathi Mabena.
3. Katlego Mohale (Forward)
Every great team needs a clinical finisher, and Mohale is widely regarded as one of the most promising young strikers in the country.
Her experience with the junior national teams provides her with the physical and mental edge needed to lead the line for the Amakhosi.
4. Loreta Mokoena (Goalkeeper)
Reliability between the posts is paramount. Mokoena has been tipped as the primary choice for the No. 1 jersey, tasked with organizing a defense that will face immense scrutiny in its debut season.
The Technical Team
A squad is only as good as the minds guiding it. Kaizer Chiefs have opted for a technical team that deeply understands the grassroots and professional levels of the South African game:
- Head Coach: Unathi Mabena
- Assistant Coach: Justice Khunou
This duo has been tasked with integrating the legacy of Springs Home Sweepers (a developmental powerhouse owned by former Chiefs player Joseph Mkhonza) into the professional environment of the Kaizer Chiefs Village in Naturena.
The 2026 Roster Structure
The squad consists of 24 players in total. While the club has not released every single name to the public yet—opting for a “staggered reveal” strategy to maintain social media engagement—the roster is divided into three distinct categories:
Strategic Impact of the Squad
The launch of this team is not merely a footballing decision; it is a commercial masterstroke.
With Brima Logistics coming on board as the primary partner, the ladies’ team has the financial backing to offer professional-grade support staff, medical facilities, and travel arrangements that are often rare in the Sasol League.
Jessica Motaung, the club’s Marketing and Commercial Director, emphasized that this squad was built to be visible:
“We want female soccer players to see this team and understand that there is a place for them within Kaizer Chiefs and within the global game.”
The Journey Ahead
The Kaizer Chiefs Ladies will play their home matches across two venues: the elite Kaizer Chiefs Village in Naturena for high-profile encounters and the Kwa Thema Stadium in Springs to honor their partnership with Home Sweepers.
As they begin their quest for promotion to the Hollywoodbets Super League, the pressure on these 24 women will be immense.
They aren’t just playing for three points; they are the pioneers of a new era. For the fans, the message is clear: the Glamour Girls have arrived, and they have the squad depth to ensure they stay at the top.
Here’s the Kaizer Chiefs Ladies team full squad for the 2026 season:
Goalkeepers:
– Yolula Tsawe
– Sesona Busika
– Loreta Mokoena
– Likhanye Mavumengwana
Defenders:
– Sinenhlanhla Nkosi
– Sphiwe Dlamini
– Nkamogeleng Tshoke
– Nomfundo Motaung
– Neliswe Mchunu
– Meka Rademeyer
Midfielders:
– Zanele Kunyamane
– Lumka Qhekeka
– Mamello Makhabane
– Matobane Moshugi
– Morongwa Sebolai
– Lerato Makhanya
– Sisanda Komane
Forwards:
– Unathi Mjijwa
– Boitumelo Mokoena (captain)
– Bontle Sebila
– Katlego Mohale
– Bontle Khanye
