By Sista Masilo
MAFIKENG – The North West University Soccer Institute will carry the province’s hopes when the ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs kick off next month in Mthatha, Eastern Cape.SAFA conducted the official draw this week at SAFA House in Nasrec, Gauteng.
All nine provincial champions were split into three groups of three teams each. The Eastern Cape will host this year’s tournament at Mthatha Stadium from 1 to 7 June 2026.NWU secured their spot after defeating Army Rocket in the North West provincial playoffs. They now face tough competition in Group A alongside Phezulu FC from Mpumalanga and La Masia from Gauteng.
The full groups:Group A: NWU Soccer Institute (North West), Phezulu FC (Mpumalanga), La Masia (Gauteng)Group B: Hope FC (Western Cape), Rangers FC (Eastern Cape), Mangaung FC (Free State) Group C: NC Professionals (Northern Cape), Mpheni Defenders (Limpopo), Mkhabathi FC (KwaZulu-Natal)Only the group winners will earn promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship for the 2026/27 season.SAFA confirmed that last year’s playoffs were marred by off-field drama, which led the association’s committee to ban representatives from Limpopo and the Eastern Cape over unresolved issues.
Both provinces have provincial representatives at this year’s draw, indicating those matters have now been resolved.NWU’s participation marks another milestone for university football in the province. Local supporters will be watching closely as the team aims to make North West proud on the national stage.
