National First Division
Encyclopedia
The National First Division (NFD) is the second-highest league of South Africa
n club football (soccer)
after the Premier Soccer League
(PSL). Both the NFD and PSL are organised by the National Soccer League.
Inland provinces
Coastal provinces
The new structure of the league, is a re-introduction of the one division format, previously used for the three seasons in 2004-07. This means, that the two former geographical split streams, will merge into one common division. The winner of the NFD will gain automatic promotion to PSL (replacing the lowest ranked team in PSL). Teams to finish 2nd and 3rd in NFD, will enter a playoff stage with a round robin format, against the team ranked as nr.15 in PSL. Only the winner of this playoff stage, will also get promoted to PSL.
Relegation/promotion rules between NFD and Vodacom League remain more or less unchanged. Meaning that after each season, the two lowest ranked teams in NFD will be automatically relegated to Vodacom League. In the opposite direction, the two best teams of Vodacom League will get promoted to NFD, decided by a round robin playoff stage between the 9 provincial winners.
. This league served as the competing place, for promotion/relegation to and from the topflight NSL
. In the former years from 1978–1986, a topflight non-racial First Level had already been established, after the merger of the NFL
and NPSL
, to form the new common topflight NPSL
. In the early years from 1978–1986 relegation/promotion to and from the topflight league, according to official records actually did happen, but apparently it happened from a Second Level league structure, still divided into whites/blacks/coloureds.
When the new topflight Premier Soccer League
was established in 1996, the organizers at the same time for the Second Level, replaced the former OK League
with the new National First Division. Apart from being covered by a better sponsor deal, the most significant change -both at the First and Second Level- was to change the fixtures from yearly seasons, into the more Internationally adapted: September–May football season.
From 2004 until 2007 the league was sponsored by business magnate Tokyo Sexwale's
Mvelaphanda Group
and known as Mvela Golden League. For those three seasons, there was no geographical split and all 16 teams played in one division. In regards of all other previous seasons, there was a geographical split into two or four streams. Recently it was however announced, that the National First Division has decided to re-introduce the structure with no geographical split, for the 2011–12 season.
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
n club football (soccer)
Football (soccer)
Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball...
after the Premier Soccer League
Premier Soccer League
Premier Soccer League is the trading name of the National Soccer League of South Africa. The top league is the ABSA Premiership, sponsored by ABSA...
(PSL). Both the NFD and PSL are organised by the National Soccer League.
For seasons in 2007-11
The restructured NFD is divided into two streams, one inland and another coastal – each of which consists of 8 teams. The winners of the two streams will play against each other in a 'final' at the end of the season – the winner of which will be promoted to the PSL. The loser of the 'final' will play in a mini-tournament/play-offs against the two second-placed teams in each stream and the 15th-placed team on the PSL log. The winner of this tournament will also be automatically promoted to the top flight.Inland provinces
- Gauteng
- Limpopo
- Mpumalanga
- North West
Coastal provinces
- Eastern Cape
- Free State
- KwaZulu-Natal
- Northern Cape
- Western Cape
For seasons after 2011
A new structure and new rules were decided, beginning from the 2011-12 season. The new rules are, that competing NFD teams, at all times during NFD matches, are required to field:- Minimum 5 South African born under 23 players.
- Maximum 3 foreign players.
The new structure of the league, is a re-introduction of the one division format, previously used for the three seasons in 2004-07. This means, that the two former geographical split streams, will merge into one common division. The winner of the NFD will gain automatic promotion to PSL (replacing the lowest ranked team in PSL). Teams to finish 2nd and 3rd in NFD, will enter a playoff stage with a round robin format, against the team ranked as nr.15 in PSL. Only the winner of this playoff stage, will also get promoted to PSL.
Relegation/promotion rules between NFD and Vodacom League remain more or less unchanged. Meaning that after each season, the two lowest ranked teams in NFD will be automatically relegated to Vodacom League. In the opposite direction, the two best teams of Vodacom League will get promoted to NFD, decided by a round robin playoff stage between the 9 provincial winners.
Member clubs 2011–12
- African Warriors
- Atlie FCAtlie FCAtlie FC is a South African football club based in Benoni, Gauteng. The club currently plays in the National First Division.Atlie came into existence in 2011 after the club's owners bought out Durban based side Nathi Lions and moved the club to Ekurhuleni.-External links:*...
- Bay United
- Blackburn RoversBlackburn Rovers FC (South Africa)Blackburn Rovers are a South African football club from East London, Eastern Cape who play in the National First Division.In 2010 they gained promotion to the National First Division after winning the Vodacom League Eastern Cape League and finishing the season as the division's overall runner-up....
- Carara Kicks
- Chippa UnitedChippa UnitedChippa United is a semi-professional association football club based in the Nyanga suburb of Cape Town, in the Western Cape province of South Africa. The club was founded in June 2010, where they bought the Castle League franchise of Mbekweni Cosmos, and hereby started out to play in Vodacom League...
- Dynamos
- FC AKFC AKFC AK is a South African football club from Johannesburg that plays in the National First Division.They were promoted to the National First Division at the end of the 2009-10 season....
- FC Cape Town
- Mpumalanga Black Aces
- Sivutsa Stars
- Thanda Royal ZuluThanda Royal ZuluThanda Royal Zulu is a South African football club based in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal that currently plays in the National First Division.-History:...
- United FCUnited FC (South Africa)United FC is a South African football club based in Kroonstad that plays in the National First Division.-External links:**...
- University of Pretoria
- Vasco Da GamaVasco da Gama (South Africa)Vasco da Gama is a South African football club based in Parow, Cape Town that plays in the National First Division. Coming from the lower ranks, the club has its roots entrenched in the local Portuguese South African community. The club is named after Brazilian club CR Vasco da Gama.-History:Vasco...
- Witbank SpursWitbank SpursWitbank Spurs are a South African football club based in Witbank, Mpumalanga that competes in the National First Division, Inland Stream.-External links:***...
League table
for updated standings visit PSL.co.zaHistory
The first non-racial Second Level of South African football, was established in March 1987 as the OK LeagueOK League
The OK League , was an South African association football league. It was the second tier on the South African football league system, and teams who won the division, were promoted to the NSL Castle League....
. This league served as the competing place, for promotion/relegation to and from the topflight NSL
National Soccer League (South Africa)
The National Soccer League was a South African association football league established in 1985, as a response to boardroom disagreements in the new topflight non-racial league NPSL...
. In the former years from 1978–1986, a topflight non-racial First Level had already been established, after the merger of the NFL
National Football League (South Africa)
The National Football League was the first professional association football league in South Africa. It was established in 1959, and was accompanied by a NFL Division II and NFL Division III in 1961 . The league was competitive during the apartheid era, and only white players were allowed to...
and NPSL
National Premier Soccer League (South Africa)
The National Premier Soccer League was the title of a South African association football league, between 1971 and 1995. During those years, the league however had three completely different organisations. In 1971-77 it was only for Black South African teams...
, to form the new common topflight NPSL
National Premier Soccer League (South Africa)
The National Premier Soccer League was the title of a South African association football league, between 1971 and 1995. During those years, the league however had three completely different organisations. In 1971-77 it was only for Black South African teams...
. In the early years from 1978–1986 relegation/promotion to and from the topflight league, according to official records actually did happen, but apparently it happened from a Second Level league structure, still divided into whites/blacks/coloureds.
When the new topflight Premier Soccer League
Premier Soccer League
Premier Soccer League is the trading name of the National Soccer League of South Africa. The top league is the ABSA Premiership, sponsored by ABSA...
was established in 1996, the organizers at the same time for the Second Level, replaced the former OK League
OK League
The OK League , was an South African association football league. It was the second tier on the South African football league system, and teams who won the division, were promoted to the NSL Castle League....
with the new National First Division. Apart from being covered by a better sponsor deal, the most significant change -both at the First and Second Level- was to change the fixtures from yearly seasons, into the more Internationally adapted: September–May football season.
From 2004 until 2007 the league was sponsored by business magnate Tokyo Sexwale's
Tokyo Sexwale
Mosima Gabriel Sexwale , commonly known as Tokyo Sexwale , is the current Minister of Human Settlements of South Africa. A South African businessman, politician, anti-apartheid activist, and former political prisoner. His nickname of "Tokyo" is derived from his involvement with the sport of...
Mvelaphanda Group
Mvelaphanda Group
Mvelaphanda Group is a company in South Africa that was founded by Tokyo Sexwale, a compatriot of Nelson Mandela. The group was formed in 2003/4 by the merger of Mvelaphanda Holdings and Rebserve. Mvelaphanda Holdings is active in the fields of financial services, healthcare, mining, general...
and known as Mvela Golden League. For those three seasons, there was no geographical split and all 16 teams played in one division. In regards of all other previous seasons, there was a geographical split into two or four streams. Recently it was however announced, that the National First Division has decided to re-introduce the structure with no geographical split, for the 2011–12 season.
| Streams | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Western Cape | Natal/Eastern/Cape | Northern | Southern |
| Winner | Winner | Winner | Winner | |
| 1996/97 | Santos Santos Football Club (South Africa) Santos Football Club or simply Santos, also known under their sponsored title as Engen Santos, is a professional South African football club based in Lansdowne, Cape Town that plays in the Premier Soccer League.-History:... |
African Wanderers African Wanderers African Wanderers is a South African football club, based in the Chatsworth township, which is a suburb of Durban in South Africa. The club currently play in the KwaZulu-Natal province of Vodacom League, and prefer to use the SJ Smith Stadium as home venue.... |
Black Leopards Black Leopards Black Leopards are a South African football club based in Makhado, Limpopo that plays in the Premier Soccer League.-History:The club was founded in 1983 by business people in Venda. In 1998 the club was taken over by the Thidiela family... |
Tembisa Classic |
| Streams | ||||
| Year | Coastal | Inland | ||
| Winner | Runner-up | Winner | Runner-up | |
| 1997/98 | Seven Stars | Michau Warriors Michau Warriors Michau Warriors were a South African football club who played in the Premier Soccer League.They were relegated in the competition's inaugural season finishing in 17th place.... |
Dynamos | Witbank Aces |
| 1998/99 | African Wanderers African Wanderers African Wanderers is a South African football club, based in the Chatsworth township, which is a suburb of Durban in South Africa. The club currently play in the KwaZulu-Natal province of Vodacom League, and prefer to use the SJ Smith Stadium as home venue.... |
Avendale Athletico Avendale Athletico Avendale Athletico is a South African football club from Cape Town.They were relegated from the National First Division in 2004/2005.-Achievements:*National First Division - Coastal Stream: Runner-up 1998/99, 1999/00, 2001/02, 2003/04... |
Tembisa Classic | Ria Stars Ria Stars rightRia Stars were a South African football club from Pietersburg. The club was owned by businesswoman Ria Ledwaba and nicknamed Manyora .... |
| 1999/00 | Golden Arrows Golden Arrows Golden Arrows are a South African football club based in Durban that participates in the Premier Soccer League.-History:Originally founded in 1943 in the dusty streets of Lamontville, a township in Durban, the club played in the defunct National Professional Soccer League in the 1970s until they... |
Avendale Athletico Avendale Athletico Avendale Athletico is a South African football club from Cape Town.They were relegated from the National First Division in 2004/2005.-Achievements:*National First Division - Coastal Stream: Runner-up 1998/99, 1999/00, 2001/02, 2003/04... |
Ria Stars Ria Stars rightRia Stars were a South African football club from Pietersburg. The club was owned by businesswoman Ria Ledwaba and nicknamed Manyora .... |
Dynamos Dynamos Dynamos may mean:*The plural of dynamoAn association football club:*Dynamos F.C., a South African association football club*Dynamos F.C., a Zimbabwean association football club*Lusaka Dynamos F.C., a Zambian association football club... |
| 2000/01 | Amazulu Amazulu The amaZulu or Zulu people are a people of southern Africa.Amazulu or AmaZulu may also mean:* AmaZulu F.C. , a South African football club* AmaZulu F.C. , a defunct Zimbabwean football club... |
Park United | Black Leopards | Bloemfontein Young Tigers Bloemfontein Young Tigers Bloemfontein Young Tigers are a South African football club based in Bloemfontein that participates in the Vodacom League.The club was formed in 1925 and plays currently at Tempe Military Base.... |
| 2001/02 | African Wanderers African Wanderers African Wanderers is a South African football club, based in the Chatsworth township, which is a suburb of Durban in South Africa. The club currently play in the KwaZulu-Natal province of Vodacom League, and prefer to use the SJ Smith Stadium as home venue.... |
Avendale Athletico Avendale Athletico Avendale Athletico is a South African football club from Cape Town.They were relegated from the National First Division in 2004/2005.-Achievements:*National First Division - Coastal Stream: Runner-up 1998/99, 1999/00, 2001/02, 2003/04... |
Dynamos Dynamos Dynamos may mean:*The plural of dynamoAn association football club:*Dynamos F.C., a South African association football club*Dynamos F.C., a Zimbabwean association football club*Lusaka Dynamos F.C., a Zambian association football club... |
Silver Stars |
| 2002/03 | AmaZulu Amazulu The amaZulu or Zulu people are a people of southern Africa.Amazulu or AmaZulu may also mean:* AmaZulu F.C. , a South African football club* AmaZulu F.C. , a defunct Zimbabwean football club... |
Premier United | Silver Stars | Bloem Celtic |
| 2003/04 | Bush Bucks Bush Bucks Bush Bucks is a former South African football . The club was founded in 1957 and based in Umtata in the Eastern Cape. It is nicknamed Imbabala .... |
Avendale Athletico Avendale Athletico Avendale Athletico is a South African football club from Cape Town.They were relegated from the National First Division in 2004/2005.-Achievements:*National First Division - Coastal Stream: Runner-up 1998/99, 1999/00, 2001/02, 2003/04... |
Bloemfontein Celtic Bloemfontein Celtic Bloemfontein Celtic is a South African football club based in Bloemfontein, founded in 1969 as Mangaung United, and renamed in 1984 to its current name. The club currently compete in Premier Soccer League, and selected Seisa Ramabodu Stadium as their home venue... |
Free State Stars Free State Stars Free State Stars are a football club based in Bethlehem, Free State province .-History:Originally founded in 1979 and previously known as Qwa Qwa Stars, the club's franchise was sold to the Premier Soccer League in 2002.... |
| National | ||||
| Winner | Runner-up | Third place | Fourth place | |
| 2004/05 | Free State Stars Free State Stars Free State Stars are a football club based in Bethlehem, Free State province .-History:Originally founded in 1979 and previously known as Qwa Qwa Stars, the club's franchise was sold to the Premier Soccer League in 2002.... |
Durban Stars Durban Stars Durban Stars is a semi-professional association football club based in the Chatsworth suburb of Durban, in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa... |
Hellenic F.C. | Tembisa Classic |
| 2005/06 | Wits University | City Pillars | Vasco Da Gama Vasco da Gama (South Africa) Vasco da Gama is a South African football club based in Parow, Cape Town that plays in the National First Division. Coming from the lower ranks, the club has its roots entrenched in the local Portuguese South African community. The club is named after Brazilian club CR Vasco da Gama.-History:Vasco... |
Benoni Premier United |
| 2006/07 | Free State Stars Free State Stars Free State Stars are a football club based in Bethlehem, Free State province .-History:Originally founded in 1979 and previously known as Qwa Qwa Stars, the club's franchise was sold to the Premier Soccer League in 2002.... |
Winners Park | Pretoria University Pretoria University University of Pretoria Football Club, also known as Tuks FC, is a South African football club based in Hatfield, Pretoria that represents the University of Pretoria. The club plays in the National First Division.-History:... |
FC AK FC AK FC AK is a South African football club from Johannesburg that plays in the National First Division.They were promoted to the National First Division at the end of the 2009-10 season.... |
| Streams | ||||
| Year | Coastal | Inland | ||
| Winner | Runner-up | Winner | Runner-up | |
| 2007/08 | Maritzburg United Maritzburg United Maritzburg United is a South African football club based in the city of Pietermaritzburg that currently competes in the Premier Soccer League.-Notable former coaches: Gordon Igesund Ernst Middendorp Trott Moloto Kosta Papic Boebie Solomons... |
Bay United | FC AK FC AK FC AK is a South African football club from Johannesburg that plays in the National First Division.They were promoted to the National First Division at the end of the 2009-10 season.... |
Dynamos |
| 2008/09 | Carara Kicks | FC Cape Town | Jomo Cosmos Jomo Cosmos Jomo Cosmos is a South African football club based in Johannesburg that plays in the Premier Soccer League. The club is owned and coached by South African soccer legend Jomo "Black Prince" Sono.... |
Mpumalanga Black Aces |
| 2009/10 2009–10 National First Division season 2009–10 National First Division, was the season from August 2009 until February 2010, of South Africa's second tier of professional football. By the end of the season, the Coastal stream champion Vasco da Gama met to play the overall championship final, against the Inland stream champion Black... |
Vasco Da Gama Vasco da Gama (South Africa) Vasco da Gama is a South African football club based in Parow, Cape Town that plays in the National First Division. Coming from the lower ranks, the club has its roots entrenched in the local Portuguese South African community. The club is named after Brazilian club CR Vasco da Gama.-History:Vasco... |
Nathi Lions Nathi Lions Nathi Lions was a South African football club based in KwaMashu, roughly 30 kilometers North of Durban. The team franchise was renamed Atlie FC in 2011.-External links:**... |
Black Leopards Black Leopards Black Leopards are a South African football club based in Makhado, Limpopo that plays in the Premier Soccer League.-History:The club was founded in 1983 by business people in Venda. In 1998 the club was taken over by the Thidiela family... |
African Warriors |
| 2010/11 2010–11 National First Division season 2010–11 National First Division, is the season from September 2010 until May 2011, of South Africa's second tier of professional football. By the end of the season, the overall NFD champion will get promoted to the first level, known as Premier Soccer League... |
Bay United | Thanda Royal Zulu | Jomo Cosmos Jomo Cosmos Jomo Cosmos is a South African football club based in Johannesburg that plays in the Premier Soccer League. The club is owned and coached by South African soccer legend Jomo "Black Prince" Sono.... |
Black Leopards |