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SAFA Second Division
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| Founded | 1998 |
|---|---|
| Country | |
| Confederation | CAF |
| Divisions | 9 |
| Level on pyramid | 3 |
| Promotion to | National First Division |
| Relegation to | SAFA Regional League |
| Domestic cup | Nedbank Cup |
| Current champions | Highbury F.C. |
| Most championships | Roses United |
| Website | www |
| Current: 2025–26 SAFA Second Division | |
The SAFA Second Division (known as the ABC Motsepe League for sponsorship reasons, and previously the Vodacom League between 1998 and 2012, was founded in 1998 as the overall third tier of South African football. The competition is regulated by SAFA, and until 2012 had been sponsored by mobile telecommunications company Vodacom.
It is divided into 9 divisions, borders decided by the 9 geo-political provinces of South Africa: Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu Natal, Northern Cape, Western Cape, Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West. The winner of each provincial division qualifies for the annual promotion playoffs, where the top two teams are promoted to the National First Division. In each province, teams are relegated to the fourth tier U21 SAB Regional League, which in return will promote playoff winners from the Regional Championships.
All clubs in South Africa also are allowed to compete with youth teams (U19/U21) and/or a reserve team in a lower SAFA league. If a club opt to field such teams, the U19 teams will start out at the fifth level in the U19 National League, while U21 teams or reserve teams will start out at the fourth level in the U21 SAB Regional League. If any U19 team win promotion for U21 SAB Regional League or SAFA Second Division, this promotion is fully accepted. No club are entitled to field two teams at the same level, and rule 4.6.4 of the SAFA regulations states that if the mother club play in the National First Division or Premiership, then the highest level these additional Youth/Reserve teams are allowed to compete will be the SAFA Second Division. In such cases, where a non-promotable team wins their regional division, the ticket for the promotional playoffs will instead be handed over to the second-best team in the division.[1]
In March 2014, the Motsepe Foundation signed a five-year deal for the naming rights of the competition worth 40 million ZAR. Patrice Motsepe named the competition in honour of his late father, Augustine Butana Chaane Motsepe.[2] The sponsorship was renewed for five years in 2018.[3]
Provincial divisions
[edit]
The 9 geographical provinces of South Africa, each have a local division in the SAFA Second Division. These divisions belong either to the Inland Stream or Coastal Stream, which are used to place the provincial winners into two round robin groups, at the promotional playoff stage by the end of the season. The Coastal Stream comprises: Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Cape, Western Cape; while the Inland Stream comprises: Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West. In previous years, until August 2008, the Free State province belonged to the Inland Stream.
Maladministration
[edit]In June 2023, Bush Bucks owner Sturu Pasiya accused SAFA of maladministration and of not paying grants for up to three years.[4]
Champions and promoted teams
[edit]In the seasons from 1998 to 2003, the four best teams from the Vodacom League—determined by annual playoffs among the winners and runners-up of the 9 provinces in South Africa—won promotion for the National First Division. The playoff system divided the teams into an Inland Stream and Coastal Stream, where the best two teams from each stream won promotion.
In the seasons after 2003, the number of annually promoted teams decreased to 2. The concept of the playoff system, however, remained the same, in regards of dividing the teams into a Coastal Stream and Inland Stream, but now of course only to reward the winner of both streams with promotion. Both promoted teams will then finally also meet to play the overall final, where the overall league championship trophy is at stake.
The list below show all the promoted teams, since 1998.
Provincial winners
[edit]Coastal Stream
[edit]
Eastern Cape[edit]
Kwazulu Natal[edit]
|
Northern Cape[edit]
Western Cape[edit]
|
Coastal Stream / Inland Stream
[edit]Free State belonged to the Inland Stream from 1998 to 2008, but was transferred to the Coastal Stream for subsequent seasons.
Free State
[edit]| Season | Winner | Runner-Up |
|---|---|---|
| 1998–99 | ||
| 1999–00 | City Drifters | |
| 2000–01 | Welkom Stars | Maholosiane |
| 2001–02 | Maholosiane | Roses United |
| 2002–03 | Phuthaditjhaba United | Dikoena |
| 2003–04 | Kroonstad Rovers | |
| 2004–05 | Motheo United Warriors | |
| 2005–06 | Black Mambas | |
| 2006–07 | African Warriors | |
| 2007–08 | Carara Kicks F.C. | Mafube United F.C. |
| 2008–09 | Crown City United | |
| 2009–10 | Roses United | Maluti FET College |
| 2010–11 | Roses United | Botshabelo |
| 2011–12 | Roses United | Maluti FET College |
| 2012–13 | Maluti FET College | |
| 2013–14 | Motheo Thaba Nchu | Bubchu United |
| 2014–15 | Kroonstad City | Super Eagles |
| 2015–16 | Super Eagles | Mangaung Unite |
| 2016–17 | Mangaung Unite | |
| 2017–18[67] | Tshiame All Stars | Bloemfontein Young Tigers |
| 2018–19[68] | Mangaung Unite | |
| 2019–20[69] | Mangaung Unite | Super Eagles |
| Season | Stream A | Stream B |
| 2020–21 | Mangaung Unite[70] | D General FC[71] |
| 2021–22 | Dikwena United[72] | Bloemfontein Celtic Development[72] |
| 2022–23[73] | Buffalo FC | FC Black Cross |
| Season | Winner | Runner-Up |
| 2023–24[74][75] | Mangaung Unite | D General FC |
| 2024–25[76] | African Warriors | Mangaung City |
Inland Stream
[edit]
Gauteng[edit]
Limpopo[edit]
|
Mpumalanga[edit]
North West[edit]
|
References
[edit]- ^ SAFA. "Rules and Regulations" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-08-28. Retrieved 2011-07-07.
- ^ "Motsepe Foundation sponsor Second Division". SuperSport. 3 March 2014. Retrieved 2014-03-03.
- ^ Laduma, Soccer. "SAFA and Motsepe Foundation renew ABC Mostepe League partnership". Soccer Laduma. Retrieved 2023-07-07.
- ^ "Sturu Pasiya slams SAFA over maladministration in ABC Motsepe League - soccer". www.sabcsport.com. 28 June 2023. Retrieved 2023-07-07.
- ^ KickOff. "Roses United are the Vodacom League Champions". KickOff. Retrieved 2023-09-07.
- ^ "Uthongathi are the 2017 ABC Motsepe League National Play Off Champions". Safa.net - South African Football Association. 11 June 2017.
- ^ "Maccabi crowned ABC Motsepe League champions". Safa.net - South African Football Association. 9 June 2018.
- ^ "PSL alumni brighten 2020 ABC Motsepe League Play-Offs". Safa.net - South African Football Association. 18 November 2020. Retrieved 2020-12-03.
- ^ "Hungry Lions are champions". Safa.net - South African Football Association. 3 July 2021. Retrieved 2021-09-10.
- ^ "Impressive MM Platinum are the champions of the ABC Motsepe National Playoffs". SAFA.net. 19 June 2022. Retrieved 2023-06-13.
- ^ Raophala, Mauwane (11 June 2023). "Upington City crowned ABC Motsepe National Playoffs champions". FARPost. Retrieved 2023-06-13.
- ^ Raophala, Mauwane (23 June 2024). "Highbury FC crowned ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs champions". FARPost. Retrieved 2024-06-29.
- ^ Raophala, Mauwane (6 July 2025). "Gomora United clinch ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs title". FARPost. Retrieved 2025-07-06.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Eastern Cape Log 2015/2016". Diski Zone. 3 April 2016. Retrieved 2019-07-24.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Eastern Cape Log 2016/2017 - Diski Zone". 16 September 2016.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Eastern Cape Log 2017/2018 - Diski Zone".
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Eastern Cape Log 2018/2019 - Diski Zone". 18 July 2018.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Eastern Cape Log 2019/2020 - Diski Zone". 5 July 2018.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Eastern Cape Stream A Log 2020/2021 - Diski Zone". 5 March 2021. Retrieved 2021-09-20.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Eastern Cape Stream B Log 2020/2021 - Diski Zone". 5 March 2021. Retrieved 2021-09-20.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Eastern Cape Stream A Log 2021/2022 - Diski Zone". 5 October 2021. Retrieved 2023-06-17.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Eastern Cape Stream B Log 2021/2022 - Diski Zone". 5 October 2021. Retrieved 2023-06-17.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Eastern Cape Log - Diski Zone". 18 July 2018. Retrieved 2023-07-04.
- ^ Raophala, Mauwane (4 June 2024). "ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs draw confirmed". FARPost. Retrieved 2024-07-03.
- ^ Inqaku. "League - ABC Motsepe League - EC Stream A". inqaku.com. Retrieved 2024-07-16.
- ^ a b Raophala, Mauwane (23 June 2025). "FC Ravens qualify for ABC Motsepe National Playoffs". FARPost. Retrieved 2025-06-27.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe KZN Log 2016/2017 - Diski Zone". 26 September 2016.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe KwaZulu-Natal Log 2017/2018 - Diski Zone". 26 September 2016.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe KwaZulu-Natal Log". Diski Zone. 2 June 2018. Retrieved 2020-12-04.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe KwaZulu-Natal Log". Diski Zone. 2 June 2018. Retrieved 2020-12-04.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe KwaZulu-Natal Stream A Log 2020/2021 - Diski Zone". 30 December 2020. Retrieved 2023-06-13.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe KwaZulu-Natal Stream B Log 2020/2021 - Diski Zone". 30 December 2020. Retrieved 2023-06-13.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe KwaZulu-Natal Stream A Log 2021/2022 - Diski Zone". November 2021. Retrieved 2023-06-22.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe KwaZulu-Natal Stream B Log 2021/2022 - Diski Zone". November 2021. Retrieved 2023-06-22.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe KwaZulu-Natal Log - Diski Zone". 18 July 2018. Retrieved 2023-07-06.
- ^ Inqaku. "League - ABC Motsepe League - KZN Stream A". inqaku.com. Retrieved 2024-05-01.
- ^ Inqaku. "League - ABC Motsepe League - KZN Stream B". inqaku.com. Retrieved 2024-05-01.
- ^ Raophala, Mauwane (28 April 2025). "Two teams book Motsepe League national playoffs spots". FARPost. Retrieved 2025-06-27.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Northern Cape Stream A Log 2015/2016". 11 May 2016.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Northern Cape Stream B Log 2015/2016 - Diski Zone". 11 May 2016.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Northern Cape Stream A Log 2016/2017 - Diski Zone". 12 September 2016.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Northern Cape Stream B Log 2016/2017 - Diski Zone". 12 September 2016.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Northern Cape Stream A Log 2017/2018". 12 September 2016.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Northern Cape Stream B Log 2017/2018 - Diski Zone". Diski Zone. 12 September 2016.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Northern Cape Stream A Log 2018/2019 - Diski Zone". 3 July 2018. Retrieved 2021-09-16.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Northern Cape Stream B Log 2018/2019 - Diski Zone". 3 September 2018. Retrieved 2021-09-16.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Northern Cape Log 2019/2020 - Diski Zone". 3 July 2018. Retrieved 2021-09-20.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Northern Cape Log - Diski Zone". 18 July 2018. Retrieved 2021-09-09.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Northern Cape Stream A Log 2021/2022 - Diski Zone". 3 November 2021. Retrieved 2023-06-27.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Northern Cape Log - Diski Zone". 18 July 2018. Retrieved 2023-07-06.
- ^ Inqaku. "League - ABC Motsepe League - NC Group A". inqaku.com. Retrieved 2024-07-07.
- ^ a b Raophala, Mauwane (4 June 2024). "ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs draw confirmed". FARPost. Retrieved 2024-07-07.
- ^ Inqaku. "League - ABC Motsepe League - NC Group B". inqaku.com. Retrieved 2024-07-07.
- ^ Raophala, Mauwane (5 May 2025). "Two more teams qualify for Motsepe League National Playoffs". FARPost. Retrieved 2025-06-27.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Western Cape Log 2016/2017 - Diski Zone". 19 September 2016.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Western Cape Log 2017/2018 - Diski Zone". 19 September 2016.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Western Cape Log". Diski Zone. July 2018. Retrieved 2020-12-03.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Western Cape Log". Diski Zone. July 2018. Retrieved 2020-12-03.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Western Cape Log 2020/2021 - Diski Zone". 12 April 2021. Retrieved 2023-06-13.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Western Cape Stream A Log 2021/2022 - Diski Zone". December 2021. Retrieved 2023-06-28.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Western Cape Stream B Log 2021/2022 - Diski Zone". December 2021. Retrieved 2023-06-28.
- ^ Munyai, Ofhani (15 June 2022). "ABC MOTSEPE PLAYOFFS: Hosts NWU start with a win". FARPost. Retrieved 2024-05-18.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Western Cape Log - Diski Zone". 18 July 2018. Retrieved 2023-07-07.
- ^ Raophala, Mauwane (29 May 2023). "ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs draw conducted". FARPost. Retrieved 2024-05-18.
- ^ Raophala, Mauwane (13 May 2024). "Thames, FN Rangers secure ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs berths". FARPost. Retrieved 2024-05-18.
- ^ Raophala, Mauwane (30 June 2025). "Zizwe clinch Motsepe League playoff berth after decisive replay". FARPost. Retrieved 2025-07-22.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Free State Log 2017/2018". September 2016.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Free State Log 20189/2019". July 2018.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Free State Log 2019/2020". July 2018.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Free State Stream A Log 2020/2021 - Diski Zone". 30 December 2020. Retrieved 2023-06-27.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Free State Stream B Log 2020/2021 - Diski Zone". 30 December 2020. Retrieved 2023-06-27.
- ^ a b "ABC Motsepe Free State Stream A Log 2021/2022 - Diski Zone". 30 October 2021. Retrieved 2023-06-27.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Free State Log - Diski Zone". 18 July 2018. Retrieved 2023-07-05.
- ^ Raophala, Mauwane (4 June 2024). "ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs draw confirmed". FARPost. Retrieved 2024-07-14.
- ^ Inqaku. "League - ABC Motsepe League - FS Stream A". inqaku.com. Retrieved 2024-07-14.
- ^ Raophala, Mauwane (28 April 2025). "Two teams book Motsepe League national playoffs spots". FARPost. Retrieved 2025-07-22.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Gauteng Log 2015/2016". 4 May 2016.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Gauteng Log 2016/2017". 8 September 2016.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Gauteng Log 2017/2018". 8 September 2016.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Gauteng Log 2018/2019". 5 July 2018.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Gauteng Log 2019/2020". 5 July 2018.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Gauteng Stream A Log 2020/2021". 31 December 2020. Retrieved 2023-06-18.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Gauteng Stream B Log 2020/2021". 30 January 2021. Retrieved 2023-06-18.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Gauteng Stream A Log 2021/2022". November 2021. Retrieved 2023-06-18.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Gauteng Stream B Log 2021/2022". November 2021. Retrieved 2023-06-18.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Gauteng Log - Diski Zone". 18 July 2018. Retrieved 2023-07-05.
- ^ Inqaku. "League - ABC Motsepe League - GP Group 1A". inqaku.com. Retrieved 2024-07-11.
- ^ Inqaku. "League - ABC Motsepe League - GP Group 1A". inqaku.com. Retrieved 2025-07-06.
- ^ Dube, Mthokozisi (20 June 2025). "Highlands Park suffers relegation following 62-point deduction". FARPost. Retrieved 2025-06-21.
- ^ Unknown[permanent dead link]
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Limpopo Log 2017/2018". 9 September 2016.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Limpopo Log 2018/2019". 3 July 2018.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Limpopo Log 2019/2020 - Diski Zone". 3 July 2018. Retrieved 2021-09-10.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Limpopo Stream A Log 2020/2021 - Diski Zone". 13 March 2021. Retrieved 2023-06-13.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Limpopo Stream B Log 2020/2021 - Diski Zone". 13 March 2021. Retrieved 2023-06-13.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Limpopo Stream A Log 2021/2022 - Diski Zone". November 2021. Retrieved 2023-07-05.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Limpopo Stream B Log 2021/2022 - Diski Zone". November 2021.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Limpopo Log - Diski Zone". 18 July 2018. Retrieved 2023-07-05.
- ^ Inqaku. "League - ABC Motsepe League - LP Stream B". inqaku.com. Retrieved 2024-07-11.
- ^ Raophala, Mauwane (4 June 2024). "ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs draw confirmed". FARPost. Retrieved 2024-07-11.
- ^ Raophala, Mauwane (16 June 2025). "SAFA arbitration rules in Mpheni Defenders v Vondwe XI Bullets case". FARPost. Retrieved 2025-07-22.
- ^ Inqaku. "League - ABC Motsepe League - LP STREAM B - Inqaku". inqaku.com. Retrieved 2025-07-22.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Mpumalanga Log 2016/2017". 26 September 2016.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Mpumalanga Log 2017/2018". 26 September 2016.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Mpumalanga Log 2018/2019". 29 July 2018.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Mpumalanga Log 2019/2020". 29 July 2018.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Mpumalanga Stream A Log 2020/2021 - Diski Zone". 13 March 2021. Retrieved 2023-06-13.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Mpumalanga Stream B Log 2020/2021 - Diski Zone". 13 March 2021. Retrieved 2023-06-13.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Mpumalanga Stream A Log 2021/2022 - Diski Zone". November 2021. Retrieved 2023-07-05.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Mpumalanga Stream B Log 2021/2022 - Diski Zone". November 2021.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe Mpumalanga Log - Diski Zone". 18 July 2018. Retrieved 2023-07-05.
- ^ Inqaku. "League - ABC Motsepe League - MP Group 1A". inqaku.com. Retrieved 2024-07-11.
- ^ Inqaku. "League - ABC Motsepe League - MP Group 1A". inqaku.com. Retrieved 2025-07-22.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe North West Log 2015/2016". 6 May 2016.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe North West Log 2016/2017". 9 September 2016.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe North West Log 2017/2018". 9 September 2016.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe North West Log 2018/2019". 2 July 2018.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe North West Log 2019/2020 - Diski Zone". 2 July 2018. Retrieved 2021-09-16.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe North West Stream A Log 2020/2021 - Diski Zone". 2 March 2021. Retrieved 2023-06-13.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe North West Stream B Log 2020/2021 - Diski Zone". Retrieved 2023-07-05.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe North West Stream A Log 2021/2022 - Diski Zone". 2 March 2021. Retrieved 2023-07-05.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe North West Stream B Log 2021/2022 - Diski Zone". 2 November 2021.
- ^ "ABC Motsepe North West Log - Diski Zone". 18 July 2018. Retrieved 2023-07-05.
- ^ Inqaku. "League - ABC Motsepe League - NW Stream A". inqaku.com. Retrieved 2024-07-07.
- ^ Inqaku. "League - ABC Motsepe League - NW North West ABC Motsepe League - Inqaku". inqaku.com. Retrieved 2025-07-22.
External links
[edit]SAFA Second Division
View on GrokipediaHistory
Founding and Initial Structure (1998–2000s)
The SAFA Second Division, initially branded as the Vodacom League due to sponsorship by Vodacom, was established in 1998 by the South African Football Association (SAFA) as the third tier of the national football pyramid, positioned below the National First Division and above regional amateur leagues.[7][3] This creation followed the restructuring of South African football post-apartheid, aiming to standardize semi-professional competition and provide promotion pathways for clubs outside major urban centers.[8] The league's formation addressed the need for a nationwide second-tier equivalent amid the Professional Soccer League's focus on elite professional clubs. The initial structure decentralized operations across South Africa's geography, dividing the league into nine provincial streams aligned with the country's provinces: Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North West, and Western Cape.[9] Each provincial division typically included 14 to 16 teams competing in a round-robin format over a season spanning late year to mid-next year, accommodating travel constraints and regional rivalries. This setup promoted local development while maintaining national oversight by SAFA. Promotion and relegation mechanics emphasized playoffs: champions and runners-up from each provincial division advanced to end-of-season national tournaments, where the top four performers earned ascent to the National First Division, with an equivalent number relegated from above.[9] This system, in place from 1998 through the early 2000s until reforms around 2004, ensured merit-based elevation but faced logistical challenges, including inconsistent provincial participation and varying standards across regions. By the mid-2000s, the league had stabilized with growing club numbers, though administrative issues under SAFA persisted.[10]Sponsorship Changes and Reforms (2010s–Present)
Following the termination of Vodacom's sponsorship around 2012, the SAFA Second Division lacked a title sponsor for two years, during which the league faced financial challenges.[11] In March 2014, the Motsepe Foundation secured a five-year sponsorship deal with SAFA, rebranding the competition as the ABC Motsepe League to honor Augustine Butana Chaane Motsepe, father of foundation head Patrice Motsepe.[12][13][14] This agreement provided funding to enhance development in South African football at the semi-professional level, addressing prior instability.[15] The sponsorship emphasized grassroots and lower-tier growth, with the foundation committing resources for league operations and team support.[16] In May 2018, SAFA renewed the partnership for an additional five years, ensuring continued financial backing through at least 2023.[17][18] The deal has persisted without public interruption, maintaining the ABC Motsepe branding into the 2024–25 and subsequent seasons.[19] Amid these sponsorship stabilizations, SAFA addressed operational issues, including a 2016 match-fixing scandal in the league's promotional playoffs, leading to an internal investigation that exposed syndicate involvement but prompted limited disclosed structural reforms.[20] By 2025, commitments emerged to settle outstanding travel allowances for participating clubs, signaling incremental improvements in financial administration tied to sponsorship inflows.[21]League Format
Provincial Divisions
The SAFA Second Division, also known as the ABC Motsepe League, is structured around nine provincial divisions, each aligned with one of South Africa's nine provinces: Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North West, and Western Cape.[4] These divisions serve as the primary competitive units, accommodating semi-professional clubs that compete locally to develop talent and pathways to higher tiers.[22] Each provincial division typically fields 16 teams in a single league format, though adjustments occur due to promotion, relegation, and administrative factors; for instance, the KwaZulu-Natal division expanded to 24 teams for the 2025–26 season to accommodate more regional participants.[4][23] Seasons run from August to May, with teams playing a home-and-away double round-robin schedule, totaling 30 matches per team in standard 16-team setups.[22] During the COVID-19 period, some divisions temporarily split into two streams of up to nine teams each to manage logistics and reduce fixture congestion, with a maximum of 18 teams per province.[22] Relegation from each division sends the bottom two to three teams to the SAFA Regional Leagues (fourth tier), replaced by playoff winners from those regional competitions—typically two teams per province promoted upward.[22][6] The division champion qualifies for national promotional playoffs, where provincial winners compete for ascension to the National First Division, ensuring competitive balance while prioritizing provincial development.[24] Administrative variations, such as disqualifications for non-compliance, can reduce playoff participants, as seen in 2025 when Eastern Cape and Limpopo were excluded, limiting the field to seven teams.[24] This structure fosters localized rivalries and talent pipelines but has faced criticism for inconsistencies in team numbers and enforcement across provinces.[25]Coastal and Inland Streams
The SAFA Second Division incorporates Coastal and Inland streams within select provincial leagues to mitigate travel challenges in expansive regions, grouping teams by geographic proximity for more equitable competition and cost efficiency. This subdivision is prominently applied in the Eastern Cape, where the province's size and terrain—spanning over 170,000 square kilometers—necessitate separate streams to avoid excessive inter-team distances that could otherwise strain club resources.[26] In the Eastern Cape ABC Motsepe League, the Coastal Stream features clubs from coastal districts such as Nelson Mandela Bay and Sarah Baartman, emphasizing teams nearer the Indian Ocean coastline. Conversely, the Inland Stream encompasses squads from interior locales like Amathole, Chris Hani, and Joe Gqabi, focusing on central and northern areas. Each stream typically comprises 8 to 10 teams competing in a round-robin format over 14 to 18 matches, with standings determined by points (3 for a win, 1 for a draw).[27][28] Stream champions advance to a home-and-away knockout playoff to crown the provincial winner, who then qualifies for the national promotion playoffs. For instance, in the 2024–25 season, Amavarara FC topped the Coastal Stream with 46 points from 18 matches (14 wins, 4 draws, 0 losses), while FC Ravens led the Inland Stream with 36 points from 14 games (11 wins, 3 draws, 0 losses). This playoff decider ensures only the strongest provincial contender proceeds nationally.[27] Such stream divisions, while not universal across all nine provinces (where Stream A and B designations are more common elsewhere), reflect SAFA's pragmatic approach to regional logistics, prioritizing sustainability for semi-professional clubs often operating on limited budgets.Promotion Playoffs and Relegation Rules
The SAFA Second Division operates nine provincial streams, with promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship determined by a national playoff tournament featuring the champion from each stream. These nine teams are divided into three groups of three for an initial round-robin group stage, where points are awarded based on match outcomes to rank teams within groups.[29][5] The top performers advance to knockout semi-finals, with the winners of each semi-final securing automatic promotion. The losers of the semi-finals contest a third-place playoff, whose victor earns the third promotion spot, resulting in three teams ascending to the second tier as implemented in the 2024–25 season to address league expansion needs. This format supplants earlier structures that promoted only two teams, reflecting adjustments for competitive balance amid professional league vacancies.[30] Relegation occurs independently within each provincial stream, where the two lowest-ranked teams at season's end descend to the fourth-tier SAFA Regional League. This process maintains fluidity between tiers, with promotion slots filled by playoff winners from the corresponding regional streams, ensuring two teams per province typically exchange places annually.[22][31] SAFA enforces these rules under its uniform competition statutes, though provincial variations in stream sizes—often 14 to 16 teams—can influence exact outcomes, with no national relegation mechanism beyond provincial demotions.[4]Governance and Administration
SAFA Oversight and Organizational Role
The South African Football Association (SAFA), established as the national governing body for football on March 23, 1991, holds ultimate oversight authority over the SAFA Second Division, the third tier of the national league pyramid. SAFA defines the league's structure, including its division into provincial streams and national playoff mechanisms, while enforcing standardized rules on eligibility, match officiating, and disciplinary procedures across all participating clubs.[32] This oversight ensures alignment with broader national football policies, such as those outlined in SAFA's statutes and regulations, which prioritize competitive integrity and player development.[32] Administratively, SAFA coordinates the league through its hierarchical network of 52 regional and nine provincial associations, which handle local implementation while reporting to the national executive. The association utilizes the MYSAFA digital platform—a FIFA-integrated system—for centralized player registration, fixture scheduling, and competition tracking, managing over 500,000 registered players nationwide and facilitating real-time compliance monitoring.[32] SAFA's competitions department, under the national secretariat, approves annual league calendars, sanctions promotions from feeder regional leagues (such as the SAFA Men's Regional League), and adjudicates disputes via dedicated appeals processes.[6] In its organizational capacity, SAFA maintains the league's semi-professional status by setting minimum administrative standards for clubs, including financial bonding requirements and infrastructure guidelines, though enforcement varies by province due to decentralized execution. National playoffs, culminating in promotion to the National First Division, are directly supervised by SAFA-appointed officials to uphold fairness, as evidenced by structured draws and oversight in seasons like 2015.[33] This role extends to ongoing structural refinements, with SAFA iteratively improving governance at local, regional, and provincial levels to enhance operational efficiency.[2]Financial Sponsorship and Operations
The SAFA Second Division, operating as the ABC Motsepe League, derives its primary financial sponsorship from the Motsepe Foundation, which provides naming rights and supports league activities following a 2014 agreement that renamed the competition after Augustinus Motsepe, father of foundation head Patrice Motsepe.[13] This sponsorship facilitates prize money distribution, with the league offering R25 million in total prizes, of which 20% is allocated to football development projects aimed at grassroots expansion.[34] Participating clubs receive modest operational grants from SAFA, typically R38,000 per season per team, intended to offset affiliation fees and basic running costs such as travel and match-day expenses; however, these payments have frequently been delayed or withheld, contributing to financial instability among lower-tier clubs.[35] In contrast to higher divisions like the National First Division, which secures R500,000 monthly league-wide grants, the Second Division's funding remains limited, exacerbating challenges in sustaining full-season operations across its provincial streams.[35] Operational costs for clubs often exceed R550,000–650,000 annually for status acquisition and essentials like player stipends and logistics, prompting frequent sales of league statuses at around R500,000 to viable buyers amid cash shortages.[36] SAFA oversees financial administration, including playoff sponsorships from partners like Hollywoodbets, but historical debts—such as nearly R5 million owed to clubs for the 2012–2013 season—underscore persistent underfunding and payment irregularities that hinder league functionality.[37]Maladministration, Corruption, and Reforms
An internal investigation by the South African Football Association (SAFA) in 2022 uncovered an alleged match-fixing syndicate operating within the ABC Motsepe League (SAFA Second Division), designed to facilitate the promotion of Limpopo-based Magesi FC through manipulated results in key fixtures.[38] [20] The probe highlighted irregularities in provincial streams, including bribery of referees and players, though specific prosecutions or disqualifications were limited, with Magesi FC ultimately securing promotion to the National First Division in subsequent seasons.[38] Maladministration has persisted, exemplified by administrative failures in provincial structures that led to teams like Santos FC facing match cancellations in 2025 over unpaid registration fees despite scheduled fixtures.[39] In July 2025, SAFA proceeded with national playoffs despite a High Court interdict from the Eastern Cape, excluding teams from that province and Northern Cape (including Sinenkani FC and Kakamas Juventus) amid unresolved disputes, resulting in provisional promotions for other clubs like The Bees and Gomora United; the matter was reheard later, underscoring governance lapses and potential contempt of court.[40] These incidents reflect broader critiques of provincial oversight, with SAFA Vice President Linda Zwane in June 2025 advocating for centralizing ABC Motsepe administration due to repeated failures at regional levels.[41] Corruption allegations extend to SAFA's leadership, with President Danny Jordaan facing fraud charges in November 2024 for misappropriating approximately R1.3 million in association funds between 2014 and 2018, including unauthorized expenditures on personal services; while not exclusively tied to the Second Division, such practices have eroded trust in lower-league operations under SAFA's purview.[42] [43] Earlier, in 2011, Vodacom League clubs (the Second Division's predecessor) accused SAFA of ignoring recommendations from the Semenya Commission to address systemic corruption, including overlooked match-fixing probes.[44] In response, SAFA implemented integrity measures, such as an anonymous reporting hotline (+27 79 496 1262) and email ([email protected]) launched in 2017, alongside mandatory integrity declarations for match officials to affirm ethical conduct.[45] A consolidated integrity framework was later introduced to bolster governance across competitions, though persistent scandals suggest incomplete efficacy.[46] By October 2025, SAFA raised fees for complaints, protests, and appeals to fund anti-corruption efforts, including match-fixing prevention, amid ongoing financial strains. Despite these steps, calls for independent audits and structural overhauls continue, as lower-division integrity remains compromised by inadequate enforcement.[47]Champions, Promotions, and Notable Outcomes
National Playoff Winners
The national playoffs of the ABC Motsepe League, formerly known as the SAFA Second Division, feature the champions from each of the nine provincial divisions competing in a tournament to determine the overall national champion and allocate promotion spots to the Motsepe Foundation Championship (formerly National First Division).[48] The format involves group stages followed by semifinals and a final, with the winner receiving R1 million in prize money and the title of national champions, while the top two or three finishers typically secure promotion based on annual rules set by SAFA and PSL.[49] This system ensures competitive determination of promotion, though it has faced occasional disputes over provincial qualifications and arbitration.[24] Recent national playoff winners have demonstrated strong provincial dominance leading into the finals. In the 2024–25 season, Gomora United from Gauteng defeated The Bees FC from Mpumalanga 2–1 in the final on July 6, 2025, at Lucas Moripe Stadium, Pretoria, securing the championship and promotion alongside The Bees and Midlands Wanderers.[48] For the 2023–24 season, Highbury FC from the Eastern Cape won 2–0 against Kruger United from Mpumalanga in the final on June 23, 2024, earning the title after overcoming semifinal opposition from Njampela FC.[50] In 2022–23, Upington City from the Northern Cape claimed victory with a 3–1 win over Orbit College from North West in the final on June 11, 2023, in Pietermaritzburg, following their group stage success.[49]| Season | National Playoff Winner | Final Opponent | Final Score | Promotion Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | Gomora United (Gauteng) | The Bees FC (Mpumalanga) | 2–1 | Champions; 3 teams promoted total[48] |
| 2023–24 | Highbury FC (Eastern Cape) | Kruger United (Mpumalanga) | 2–0 | Champions; promoted with others[50] |
| 2022–23 | Upington City (Northern Cape) | Orbit College (North West) | 3–1 | Champions; both finalists promoted[49] |
Promoted Teams by Season (2020s Focus)
Promotions from the SAFA Second Division to the Motsepe Foundation Championship occur via national playoffs involving provincial stream winners and select high performers, with the top two finishers typically advancing, though exceptions like additional slots have arisen due to league adjustments.[51]| Playoff Year | Promoted Teams |
|---|---|
| 2020 | Orbit College, Upington City FC |
| 2021 | Hungry Lions FC (champions; runner-up also promoted per standard format) |
| 2022 | La Masia FC |
| 2023 | Highbury FC (champions; runner-up also promoted per standard format) |
| 2024–25 | Gomora United FC (champions), The Bees FC (runners-up), Midlands Wanderers FC (third place; additional promotion due to league expansion following Royal AM expulsion) |