Unathi Mabena reveals Kaizer Chiefs Ladies’ promotion target

Kaizer Chiefs Ladies head coach Unathi Mabena has revealed the club’s strategic timeline for reaching the Hollywoodbets Super League, as the newly formed side prepares to embark on its maiden journey in South African women’s football.

Launched officially on March 31 in Daveyton, the Amakhosi women’s team marks a historic expansion for the Soweto giants. With a foundational squad of 24 players, the team is set to begin life in the Sasol League, the second tier of the local women’s game.

Kaizer Chiefs Ladies Training Session❤️✌🏽#KCLadies #Amakhosi4Life #Empowerment #WomensSoccer pic.twitter.com/wUKsZ9k10v

— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) April 1, 2026

The Three-Year Plan For Chiefs Ladies

While the weight of the Kaizer Chiefs brand brings immediate expectation, Mabena is preaching a balanced approach of ambition and stability. Speaking on the club’s long-term vision, the head coach confirmed that the technical team has set a clear target for promotion to the elite ranks.

“Well, the dream and the vision are to get promoted within a maximum of two to three seasons to see us in the Hollywoodbets Super League,” Mabena told the media. “We have set that target for ourselves. However, if it happens sooner, then it’s a plus for us.”

Mabena, who is assisted by Justice Khunou, emphasised that the immediate priority is to ensure the team finds its feet before chasing top-flight status.

“We don’t want to put ourselves under pressure; we just want to stabilise ourselves in the league. This is a brand new team, so we just need to perform at the best level we can. Then, we will take it from there.”

A New Era at Naturena

The side will host their home fixtures at the Kaizer Chiefs Village in Naturena, with additional matches scheduled for Kwa Thema Stadium in Springs.

By establishing a women’s wing, Chiefs follow in the footsteps of rivals Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, TS Galaxy Queens, and Stellenbosch FC Ladies, all of whom have successfully integrated women’s football into their professional structures.

As the journey begins in the Sasol League, all eyes will be on Mabena to see if the Glamour Girls can replicate the legendary success of the men’s senior team and fast-track their way to the pinnacle of the South African game.