North West University and Hope FC Secure Historic Promotion To Motsepe Foundation Championship
North West University and Hope FC have secured promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship after booking their places in the final of the ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs in Mthatha.
The two clubs emerged as the standout performers in the tournament, navigating their way through the group stages before producing decisive displays in the semi-finals to secure a place in South Africa’s professional ranks.
Led by Nkululeko Malgas, NWU showed resilience throughout the competition. The North West champions began their Group A campaign with a goalless draw against Mpumalanga outfit Luthuli Brigades before producing a thrilling 3-2 victory over Gauteng champions La Masia in their final group match. The victory saw the university side finish level on points with Luthuli Brigades but advance to the semi-finals on goal difference.
In Group B, Hope FC, under the guidance of Dylan Dean, made an immediate statement by defeating hosts FC Ravens 3-1 in their opening match. Former Orlando Pirates winger Craig Martin played a key role in that victory, scoring twice as the Western Cape side took control of the group. Hope FC then sealed top spot after sharing the spoils in a 1-1 draw with Mangaung Unite to progress to the knockout stages.
The semi-finals presented one final hurdle on the road to promotion. NWU faced KwaZulu-Natal representatives Mkhambathi FC, while Hope FC squared off against Northern Cape champions NC Professionals in Mthatha. With promotion on the line, both sides rose to the occasion and secured the victories required to book their places in the final and, with it, automatic promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
For NWU, promotion represents another major milestone for university football in South Africa, while Hope FC’s achievement caps off a remarkable campaign that saw them overcome some of the country’s best provincial champions.
While the two teams will now battle for national honours in the final, both clubs can already celebrate the bigger prize after securing their places in the Motsepe Foundation Championship for the 2026/27 season.
