Following the giant leaps made by Banyana Banyana over the past few years, South Africa’s local soccer scene has taken huge steps towards being a global force. Now our homegrown football stars have the opportunity to reach new heights with the launch of the Hollywoodbets Super League – recognising, honouring and celebrating women’s sport in South Africa.
We are proud to announce that we are the official sponsor of the Women's football league, which will now be called the Hollywoodbets Super League ⚽️💜 pic.twitter.com/oFxHShrj5W
— Hollywoodbets (@Hollywoodbets) May 16, 2021
We have joined hands with the South African Football Association (SAFA) as the title sponsors of the 14-team SAFA National Women’s League. The historic partnership is set to give women football players in the country an opportunity to realise their cherished dreams, dazzle soccer fans with their skills and give their audiences an opportunity to see their heroes in action every week.
This partnership between SAFA and Hollywoodbets is also set to benefit coaches and administrators through workshops, where they can sharpen their skills to help bridge the gap between grassroots soccer, top-flight football and the national team.
SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan lauded this momentous development saying it will help most of the aspiring women footballers realise their full potential. Women’s football was growing in leaps and bounds across the country with the number of women participants in the sport heading towards the 1 million mark. The hope is that this partnership expedite the massive growth of football among women participants.
“For the first time, the National Women’s League has a commercial partner. This investment will further help us to strengthen the clubs in order to accelerate the growth and development of professional women’s football in our country.”
“To Hollywoodbets, we welcome you as a partner. Thank you very much, this is a great day for us, for the players, for women’s football in South Africa. We are really excited about this collaboration which we think is definitely a game-changer,” added Dr Jordaan.
According to BMI Sport Info, the rate of change in women’s sports – both on the field, as well as now commercially in the boardroom, is one of the most exciting trends in the sports industry right now. For rights holders, brands and the media, this represents a chance to develop a new commercial proposition and engage fans in a different way.
Talk about bring trailblazers!
— Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies Team (@SundownsLadies) May 17, 2021
This midfielder @MorifiChuene_8 has 2 goals next to her name in the #SNWL thus far.
Those dribbling & passing abilities are just top notch👌
What a way to welcome the new sponsor! Congrats you Diski Queen👆#SNWL #Sundowns #mondaythoughts pic.twitter.com/2T8XJvk7ko
Mamelodi Sundowns' Chuene Morifi was the first Player of the Match to bag the R2000 prize that will be available to players competing in the week's televised fixture.
SAFA CEO, Advocate Tebogo Motlanthe agrees, and believes this new partnership will galvanise women’s football in all aspects. “The numbers are set to skyrocket and financially, this relationship will help our women footballers. Many will now see football as a professional entity, and we will see an increase of players going overseas to make a career out of the sport. With Hollywoodbets having occupied such a critical space, football among women players will never be the same,” according to the CEO.
“We must also thank our broadcast partners, the SABC who share our vision in elevating women’s football. Without doubt, this is to date the single largest media platform provided to Women’s sport in South Africa,” added Adv Motlanthe.
“Visibility and investment go hand in hand. Ultimately, the Hollywoodbets Super League will only be sustainable long term if we can reach more viewers and gain awareness through greater access to watching on TV. Not only will this partnership help grow the reach and associated following, but it will become a critical enabler for the league and its clubs to attract greater sponsorship deals and broadcast revenues, which ultimately is where much of the men’s money now comes from,” concluded Adv. Motlanthe.
“It is obvious that South Africa has a deep well of untapped talent. This partnership will spearhead the path to a professional women’s league befitting these rising stars. Sports development lies close to our hearts, so this collaboration aligns perfectly with our goals. We look forward to working together on even more impactful community projects,” said Sandisiwe Bhengu, Hollywoodbets Commercial Manager.
