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By Mpho Moloi
Polokwane –
Limpopo province is set to welcome teams from across Southern Africa for the HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA Women’s Championship 2025, a major football tournament that kicks off on 18 February 2026 and runs until 1 March 2026.
The event, hosted in Polokwane, aims to not only showcase top women’s talent but also drive local business and job opportunities, as the government looks to use sports to lift the area’s economy.
With the draw already done, excitement is building among fans and officials who see this as a chance to put Limpopo on the map while bringing people together from different countries.
Overview of the HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA Women’s Championship
This marks the 13th time the tournament has been held, bringing together senior women’s national teams from the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations region.
Eleven countries will take part: Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
The matches will happen at key spots in Polokwane, like the Peter Mokaba Stadium complex, which has a strong history of hosting big games.
The setup is straightforward – teams play in a group stage, with the best sides moving on to knockout rounds. The top team from each group, plus the strongest second-place finisher, will reach the semi-finals.
For groups with more teams, results against the lowest-ranked side do not count when picking the best runner-up, to keep things fair.
Fans around the world can watch live on free platforms, making it easy for everyone to follow the action.
This championship is more than just games; it helps prepare squads for bigger challenges.
For example, South Africa, Zambia, and Malawi are using it to get ready for the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in 2026, set for 17 March to 3 April.
That event is key because its semi-finalists earn spots at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Over the years, the COSAFA tournament has helped stars like Temwa Chawinga from Malawi, Barbra Banda from Zambia, and Thembi Kgatlana from South Africa shine on the global stage, showing how it builds skills and confidence in women’s football.
The Draw and How the Groups Shape Up
The group draw took place right in Polokwane, adding to the local buzz. Hosts South Africa, known as Banyana Banyana, landed in Group A as the top seeds.
They face a stiff test against Malawi, who won the title in 2023, along with Lesotho and Angola. This pool looks set for close battles, with South Africa’s home crowd likely giving them an edge.
Group B brings together defending champions Zambia, Botswana, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe. Zambia, fresh from their back-to-back wins in recent years, will aim to keep their crown, but the others have shown they can upset the favourites.
Group C is smaller with just three teams: Mozambique, Namibia, and Madagascar. These sides will fight hard for that automatic semi-final spot, knowing every goal counts.
Experts predict tight races, with South Africa and Zambia as early picks to go far. But underdogs like Lesotho or Madagascar could surprise, as the tournament often sees new talents step up.
The format encourages attacking play, leading to exciting matches that draw big crowds and keep viewers hooked.
Expected Economic Boost for Limpopo
Limpopo’s leaders are clear: this event is about more than football – it’s a way to grow the local economy and create unity across the region.
Thousands of visitors, including players, coaches, officials, and fans from neighbouring countries, are expected to fill hotels, eateries, and shops during the two-week run.
This influx could pump money into small businesses, from taxi drivers to street vendors, much like past events have done.
The province has put resources into making it happen, building on its track record of using sports to attract tourists.
For instance, when Limpopo hosted a FIFA World Cup qualifier between Bafana Bafana and Lesotho in early 2025, it spent about R4.7 million but saw returns through packed stadiums and busy local spots.
Officials say similar gains are on the cards here, with extra jobs in hospitality, transport, and event services. The government hopes this will add to Limpopo’s 7.8% share of South Africa’s overall economy, especially in areas like tourism and trade.
Beyond short-term wins, the tournament fits into bigger plans. At the 2025 Limpopo Investment Conference in Polokwane, pledges worth R170 billion came in for projects across mining, farming, and tourism.
Hosting events like this shows the province as a safe, vibrant spot for visitors, helping draw more investment.
Local leaders point out that sports bring people together, fostering peace and shared goals in Southern Africa while putting money back into communities.
This is not Limpopo’s first time in the spotlight. Back in 2018, the province hosted the men’s COSAFA Cup, drawing teams and fans to Polokwane’s stadiums.
That event brought clear perks, like busy restaurants, full guesthouses, and more sales at petrol stations and stores. It led to positive growth, with officials noting how it helped small traders and boosted the area’s image.
Since then, Limpopo has stepped up its game. In 2025, it welcomed over 30 Premier Soccer League matches and several international fixtures at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, a venue built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
These have kept the hospitality and transport sectors humming, creating seasonal work and encouraging young people to get into sports.
The province’s spot as a gateway to the Southern African Development Community makes it ideal for such gatherings, linking countries through easy travel and shared culture.
By hosting the women’s championship, Limpopo builds on this foundation. It shows a commitment to women’s sports, which often gets less attention but has huge potential to inspire girls and grow the game.
Local clubs and schools could see more interest, leading to better training and community programmes.
Fostering Unity and Development in the Region
At its core, the COSAFA event is about bringing Southern Africa closer. With teams from 11 nations, it creates bonds through friendly rivalry on the field.
Limpopo’s role as host promotes cross-border ties, helping with issues like trade and peace. The government sees it as a step towards unity, where football breaks down barriers and builds friendships.
This aligns with wider African goals, like those from the African Union, to use sports for development. Events like this tackle poverty by creating jobs and skills, while also highlighting women’s empowerment.
For Limpopo, a province rich in natural spots like the Kruger National Park and farming areas, it adds to tourism appeal. Visitors might stay longer to explore, spreading the economic lift beyond Polokwane.
Looking Ahead to a Brighter Future
As the tournament nears, Limpopo stands ready to shine. For fans, it’s a feast of top football; for locals, it’s a chance to earn and grow.
If past events are anything to go by, this could spark lasting change, from new business links to inspired young players.
By blending sport with smart planning, Limpopo shows how hosting big games can drive real progress, making life better for everyday people in the province and beyond.
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