The Motsepe Foundation Championship, formerly known as the National First Division (NFD) and earlier as the Mvela Golden League, is South Africa’s second-highest professional football league. It is organized by the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and forms a critical bridge between community-level clubs and the top-flight DStv Premiership.
| Period | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1996 | National First Division (NFD) | Established alongside the PSL to formalize the second tier |
| 2004–2007 | Mvela Golden League | Sponsored by the Mvelaphanda Group; brought national attention and prize funding |
| 2007–2021 | National First Division (again) | Reverted to original name after Mvela deal ended |
| 2021–Present | Motsepe Foundation Championship | Renamed following a sponsorship agreement with the Motsepe Foundation |
Organizer: Premier Soccer League (PSL)
Teams: 16 professional clubs
Season: Annual, home-and-away round-robin format
1st place: Automatically promoted to the DStv Premiership
2nd & 3rd place: Enter promotion/relegation playoffs with the 15th-placed DStv Premiership team
Bottom 2 teams: Relegated to the SAFA-run ABC Motsepe League (third tier)
This structure ensures fluid movement between professional and semi-professional levels, aligning the national football pyramid.
Motsepe Foundation (since 2021)
Sponsored by the philanthropic foundation established by Dr. Patrice Motsepe
Reflects the Foundation’s commitment to uplifting communities and developing football at all levels
Mvelaphanda Group (2004–2007)
The league was known as the Mvela Golden League
This era is remembered for high-profile investment and branding
Matches are covered by all leading sports platforms
The Motsepe Foundation Championship plays a vital role in the national football ecosystem:
Platform for promotion to elite professional football
Talent showcase for emerging players, coaches, and referees
Stepping stone for community and university-based clubs aiming for PSL status
Reinforces the connection between SAFA’s ABC Motsepe League and PSL structures
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Level | 2nd Tier (Professional) |
| Organizer | Premier Soccer League (PSL) |
| Current Name | Motsepe Foundation Championship (since 2021) |
| Founded | 1996 |
| Teams | 16 |
| Promotion To | DStv Premiership (1 auto, 1 via playoffs) |
| Relegation To | ABC Motsepe League (SAFA Third Tier) |
| Previous Names | National First Division, Mvela Golden League |
| Sponsorship Legacy | Mvelaphanda Group, Motsepe Foundation |
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