The South African Football Association (SAFA) was officially established on 23 March 1991 in Johannesburg, marking a historic unification process that ended decades of racial segregation in South African football.
The unification merged four racially divided football bodies:
Note: SANFA initially withdrew but rejoined in 1993 to finalize the unification.
This consolidation paved the way for South Africa’s re-entry into the international football community after years of isolation during apartheid.
SAFA is governed by the National Executive Council (NEC) — an elected committee led by a President.
South African football evolved through various fragmented leagues before unification:
Premier Soccer League (PSL) – SAFA’s elite professional league partner
SAFA oversees football from grassroots to national teams.
Bafana Bafana (Senior Men)
U-23, U-20, U-17
Futsal Team
Beach Soccer Team
Banyana Banyana (Senior Women)
U-20, U-17
144 teams across 9 provinces (16 per province)
Provincial winners enter Play-offs
Top 2 teams promoted to the National First Division
Over 2,000 local clubs participate
50,000+ players weekly
18 teams promoted annually to the ABC Motsepe League
Launched in 2019 with 14 teams
Sponsored by Hollywoodbets
Winners qualify for CAF Women’s Champions League
Prize money:
Winners: R2 million
Runners-up: R1 million
Others: R150,000 each
Player, Coach & Young Player of the Season: R50,000 each
Established in 2009 in partnership with Sasol
144 teams competing across 9 provinces
Over 2,800 women participate
Champions are promoted to the Hollywoodbets Super League
We are dedicated to curating and preserving the rich legacy of the beautiful game in Mzansi. From legendary players to iconic matches, we celebrate the moments that shaped South African football.
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