The stage is set for the 2026 SAFA Cape Town Third Division Promotional Playoffs after the draw was officially conducted, with clubs from the various Local Football Associations now knowing the path that stands between them and promotion.
The playoffs are expected to get underway as early as next weekend, with SAFA Cape Town set to confirm the venue on Friday.
A total of eight groups will contest the playoffs, with league champions and top performers from their respective LFAs battling for places in the regional Third Division, commonly referred to in local football circles as the “Graveyard League” due to its fiercely competitive nature.
One of the standout pools is Group E, where Metropolitan LFA representatives Sporting United will take on Cape Town Celtics, Game Yethu and Ontario FC in what promises to be a tightly contested section.
In Group F, Rygate’s representatives Only the Brave have been drawn alongside U&I FC, Heinz Park FC and Hout Bay All Stars, with little separating the four sides on paper.
Hanover Park champions Pro Stars FC will carry their association’s hopes in Group G, but could face stern opposition from Young Idols AFC of Manenberg and Two for Joy, who are no strangers to the playoff stage after several appearances in recent seasons.
Meanwhile, Group H stands out as the tournament’s largest group, featuring five teams. Durbanville AFC and Rebels FC are widely regarded as early favourites, but Valencia FC, Ambraz FC and Phuhla FC will all be determined to upset the odds in what could prove to be the competition’s toughest section.
With promotion on the line and little separating many of the contenders, the playoffs are expected to produce fierce competition as clubs look to translate successful local campaigns into regional success and keep their promotion dreams alive.
The groups are as follows
