The new Motsepe Foundation Championship kicks off on Friday. Real Native FC host Cape Town City FC at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium, while Venda FC welcome Lerumo Lions FC to Thohoyandou Stadium.
The division returns with plenty of storylines following a dramatic 2025/26 campaign that saw Kruger United FC crowned champions and promoted to the top flight.
MOTSEPE FOUNDATION CHAMPIONSHIP RETURNS
Last season, Kruger United FC finished at the top of the standings to secure automatic promotion to the top tier of South African football. Cape Town City FC and Milford FC finished second and third respectively, earning places in the promotion play-offs.
Milford FC went on to win the promotion play-off mini-league, joining Kruger United FC in securing promotion to the top flight for the new season.
At the opposite end of the table, Baroka FC and Black Leopards FC suffered relegation to the ABC Motsepe League after finishing at the bottom of the standings.
The new campaign will also see Magesi FC and Orbit College FC return to the second tier after both clubs lost their top-flight status. Orbit College FC were relegated directly on the final day, while Magesi FC were beaten in the promotion/relegation play-offs.
The opening fixtures are as follows:
Friday 21 August
- Real Native FC vs Cape Town City FC — 15:00, Solomon Mahlangu Stadium
- Venda FC vs Lerumo Lions FC — 15:00, Thohoyandou Stadium
Saturday 22 August
- Hope FC vs University of Pretoria — 15:00, Athlone Stadium
- Hungry Lions FC vs Gomora United FC — 15:00, Molisli Dicky Jacobs Stadium
- Leicesterford City FC vs Orbit College FC — 15:00, Mafori Mphahlele Stadium
- Midlands Wanderers FC vs Magesi FC — 15:00, Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium
- North West University vs Upington City FC — 15:00, NWU Mahikeng Stadium
- The Bees FC vs Highbury FC — 15:00, Kanyamazane Stadium.
MOTSEPE FOUNDATION CHAMPIONSHIP PROMISES DRAMA
The return of Magesi FC and Orbit College FC adds further intrigue to a division that is expected to produce another fiercely contested promotion race.
For the likes of Cape Town City FC, University of Pretoria, Upington City FC and the other promotion hopefuls, the opening weekend presents an early opportunity to lay down a marker.
The first round also provides supporters with their first chance to assess the new-look squads and see which teams could emerge as serious promotion contenders.
With automatic promotion, play-off places and relegation all at stake, the Motsepe Foundation Championship is finally ready to get going.
RECENT CHAMPIONS
- 2025/26: Kruger United
- 2024/25: Durban City
- 2023/24: Magesi FC
- 2022/23: Polokwane City
- 2021/22: Richards Bay.
