The 2025 Hollywoodbets Super League season is well underway, two weeks in, and already the results suggest we are in for a mouth-watering season after defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns opened their title defence with a comprehensive 2-nil victory over a resilient JVW FC at home on Sunday, 9 March, 2025
2024 Golden Boot winner Boitumelo Rabale scored Banyana Ba Style’s first goal of the season in the 20th minute, which was followed up by an own goal, courtesy of the opposition goal keeper Casey Gordon (29th minute).
The remarkable Lesotho International Rabale continued what has become her own tradition of scoring in the opening game of the season, for the fourth consecutive year.
As they eye a sixth consecutive title speaking to the Mamelodi Sundowns media team Nonhlanhla ‘Gaddafi’ Mthandi concedes it wasn’t an easy victory
“The game was great. They deployed a very low block—so, so low against us. But for us, the technical team was well-prepared and we knew how to break them down. We remained patient, moved the ball well, and found the spaces we needed to get the goals. Credit to the team for sticking to the plan and ensuring we got the job done.”
Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies’ Nonhlanhla Mthandi
Forward Melinda Kgadiete highlights the threat posed by JVW. “Games against JVW are never easy. They are a well-structured team and they kept a solid defensive line, making it difficult for us to penetrate.
“We had to stay disciplined, move the ball quickly, and be creative in the final third. It was all about patience and capitalising on the few chances we got. I am proud of how we managed the game and secured the three points.”
Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies #11, Melinda Kgadiete
JVW FC started the season with founder Janine van Wyk taking the reigns as the new coach, replacing Mitch Stevens who was at the helm for two and a half years.
Van Wyk reflects on the result speaking exclusively to gsport: “I think for us, it was never about going out to get the result, but to go and perform well, and because we have been implementing a new structure and a philosophy and a new style, success for us doesn’t just happen overnight, and especially not against the defending champions.”
“So we went out there trying to implement our kind of way and what way we want to grow to play our football this season. And it’s really a tough task to ask of the players to go and beat a team that has had good preparations for their pre-season. They are full-time athletes, whereas some of my players or most of them do have full-time jobs.
JVW FC Founder and Head Coach, Janine van Wyk
“So we don’t train every single day. And of course, our fitness levels are a little bit lower than those of Sundowns. So for us, it wasn’t about going to get three points.”
The Blue Diamonds made some key acquisitions ahead of the new season with Puleng Moremi joining from Royal AM, Erin Herz from TS Galaxy, and Tiisang Leseyane – a former JVW player – from Tuks, who makes her return to the club where she spent much of her formative years.
“So the squad is coming along really nicely and they’re starting to understand their roles and responsibilities within the formation that we are playing,” says coach Janine, who made a few changes to the playing personnel ahead of the start of the new campaign.
“I think they’re really settling well. You have some players like Puleng that’s doing a fantastic job. She gives so much energy to the team.”
Last week, the Bedfordview outfit won 3-2 against newly promoted Ezemvelo FC.
In the second clash on Sunday, TUT Matsatsantsa Ladies and First Touch FC Ladies played to a goalless draw, in what was an opening game of the season for both teams. TUT coach Christina Kutumela is pleased with the team’s performance.
“It’s a solid start to the season, and we looking forward to building on this momentum. While we are happy with some of the aspects our game, there are definitely areas where we need to improve. We’ll be working hard in training to address these issues and come back stronger.
TUT Matsatsantsa Ladies Head Coach, Christina Kutumela
Kutumela’s team finished 11th last season, and she says they have to shift focus to the next game.
“Focus on the next game: We’re not getting too caught up in the weekend’s results. Our focus is on the next game, against Richmond United, and making sure we are prepared to put in a strong performance.”
Week 1 of South Africa’s women’s top flight league also saw University of Johannesburg outsmart another newly promoted side, University of Cape Town 1-0.
Hollywoodbets Super League Results on Sunday, 9 March, 2025
#16 Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies FC 2—0 JVW FC
#11 TUT Football Club 0—0 First Touch FC Ladies
Results on Sunday, 2 March, 2025
#5 University of Jhb FC 1—0 UCT
#7 JVW FC 3—2 Ezemvelo Women’s FC
Hollywoodbets Super League Fixtures on Saturday, 15 March 2025
#17 15:00: Copper Belts FC vs Durban Ladies FC
#18 15:00: Richmond United vs TUT Football Club
#19 15:00: University of Pretoria vs UCT
#20 15:00: First Touch FC Ladies vs TS Galaxy Queens
#21 15:00: UWC vs Ezemvelo Women’s FC
#22 15:00: University of Fort Hare FC vs Royal AM
#23 15:00: University of Jhb FC vs Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies FC
#24 15:00: City Lads vs JVW FC
Main Photo Caption: Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies’ Melinda Kgadiete and JVW’s Bongiwe Thusi tussle for possession. Defending champs Sundowns’ went 2-nil up by halftime courtesy a remarkable Boitumelo Rabale record and an own goal by the visitors, and held their advantage for a solid first Hollywoodbets Super League win in 2025. Photo: Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies
Photo 2 Caption: JVW’s starting XI goalkeeper Kaylin Swart was subbed early in the first half, which lead to Casey Gordon off the bench conceding an own goal. Photo: Supplied
Photo 3 Caption: TUT’s Nombulelo Khumalo. Coach Kutumela says she is satisfied with a solid start, with the focus now on the next fixture against Richmond. Photo: Supplied
