KWAZULU NATAL-(MaraviPost)-KwaZulu-Natal’s representation in South Africa’s elite women’s football has continued to shrink after Royal AM were confirmed as the second team to be relegated from the 2025 Hollywoodbets Super League, joining Durban Ladies who went down earlier this month.
The relegation of Royal AM, who were formerly known as Bloemfontein Celtic Ladies before relocating to Pietermaritzburg in 2023, leaves Ezemvelo Ladies as the only surviving team from the province in the top-flight league.
Once a proud region boasting competitive women’s clubs, KwaZulu-Natal now finds itself facing an uncertain future in women’s football.
Royal AM’s journey has been a turbulent one. After promising seasons that saw them finish as high as third in 2019 under the Bloemfontein Celtic banner, the club’s fortunes have steadily declined over the past few years.
Their troubles deepened this season when they lost several key players, forcing them to field makeshift lineups and endure heavy defeats, including a 5–0 loss to TS Galaxy Queens and an 8–0 hammering by Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies.
The team’s relegation was mathematically confirmed following a 2–1 defeat to the University of Johannesburg last weekend, leaving them stranded on just 13 points from 27 matches.
With only three victories all season and 20 losses, Royal AM have struggled to keep pace with the rest of the league.
Their last realistic hope vanished when 14th-placed First Touch Ladies reached 23 points, making survival impossible.
Royal AM’s downfall reflects a wider concern for women’s football development in KwaZulu-Natal.
The back-to-back loss of Durban Ladies and now Royal AM underscores the lack of investment, sponsorship and player development in the province.
Ezemvelo Ladies remain the only beacon of hope, currently positioned safely in mid-table.
As Royal AM prepare to play their remaining fixtures, starting with a home clash against the University of Pretoria on Sunday, 2 November at Harry Gwala Stadium, the focus has shifted to the upcoming Sasol League National Play-offs, where two new teams will be promoted to replace this season’s casualties.
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