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Hope FC crowned ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs champions

Mauwane Raophala

June 7, 2026
5:18 pm

Hope FC. Photo courtesy of Hope FC

The Western Cape’s Sea Point Swifts [Hope FC] have been crowned the 2025/26 SAFA ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs champions. They defeated North West University [NWU] 5-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time at the Mthatha Stadium in the Eastern Cape.

The grand finale on Sunday concluded a successful tournament that kicked off on 2 June 2026. In stark contrast to previous editions often marred by off-field drama, this year’s playoffs ran smoothly, maintaining peace and harmony from day one right through to the final whistle.

Both teams entered the final in high spirits following hard-earned victories in the semi-finals on Saturday, 6 June. Hope FC booked their spot in the final by dismantling Northern Cape’s NC Professionals with a convincing 4-1 scoreline. Meanwhile, NWU edged out KwaZulu-Natal’s Mkhambathi FC 2-1 to book their ticket to the main event.

HOPE FC BREAK THE DEADLOCK

The Western Cape champions caught their opponents off guard, breaking the deadlock as early as the third minute of the match. Veteran forward Ruzaigh Gamildien delivered a precise corner kick, which found Dean Solomons, who guided a beautiful header into the back of the net.

Stunned by the early setback, the North West-based university side threw bodies forward in search of an equaliser before the break. However, Hope FC’s defence stood resolute, ensuring they went into the half-time interval with their 1-0 lead intact.

North West University [NWU] players lining up for a team picture. Photo: North West University

The second stanza proved to be an action-packed affair. Driven by the pressure of the clock, NWU piled on the frustration and heavily tested the opposition’s backline. Despite the relentless waves of attack, the Dylan Deane-coached side kept their cool, expertly managing the game to frustrate NWU.

Gamildien was sent off for a reckless challenge in the 59th minute, forcing Hope FC to play the remainder of the match a man down.

However, in the 79th minute, NWU finally found an equaliser through Philane Masondo.

The roaring atmosphere in the Mthatha Stadium stands was priceless as fans celebrated the defensive resilience from Hope FC, who successfully managed to beat NWU on penalties.

THE ABC MOTSEPE LEAGUE NATIONAL PLAYOFFS PRIZE MONEY

Hope FC walked away with a grand prize of R1,200,000 for their championship triumph. As the tournament runners-up, NWU did not leave empty-handed, pocketing R600,000 for their valiant efforts.

By reaching the top two in the national playoffs, both Hope FC and NWU have earned automatic promotion to the South African second tier, the Motsepe Foundation Championship, for the upcoming season.