The South African Football Association (SAFA) has renewed its partnership with Hollywoodbets, ensuring the continued support and growth of the Hollywoodbets Super League.

This milestone reinforces Hollywoodbets’ unwavering commitment to advancing women’s sports in South Africa and beyond. The Hollywoodbets Super League stands as a beacon of progress, providing female athletes with a platform to showcase their talent and compete at the highest level.

This renewed partnership between Hollywoodbets and SAFA reflects a shared vision to elevate women’s football, fostering a league that is both competitive and inspirational while paving the way for South Africa to become a dominant force in global women’s football.

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SAFA CEO Ms Lydia Monyepao said: “The renewal of sponsors in a tough economy must be applauded in the growth of women’s football. Our recent launch of the South African Women’s Football Strategy demonstrates our focus in this area and Hollywoodbets has put their money where their mouths is in supporting women’s growth through football. Our aim is to be in the forefront in developing girls who play a role in our society into women, and through this league we have seen more players and more women leaving our shores to work as players, coaches etc. This is a testament of the value partners add into the lives of women in football. Through the SABC, over 50 matches will be seen live on SABC 1 and more on the Sport Channel, including SABC+. This has created a great platform for our players to inspire the next generation.”

“Hollywoodbets is proud to renew its partnership with SAFA, a collaboration that reflects our shared commitment to the growth and professionalisation of women’s football in South Africa, This continued partnership underscores our dedication to inspiring young girls across the country, showing them that with passion and perseverance, they too can become stars like the heroes they look up to,” said Hollywoodbets spokesperson Zandile Dlamini.

From qualifiers to finals, EAFC 25 to Beat Saber, Over R250 000 in prizes and two champions to crown – this is South Africa’s ultimate gaming experience!

South Africa’s biggest gaming tournament is back. The 2025 MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience kicks off on 18 May, bringing months of competitive energy, in-centre activations, and serious prize money to malls across the country. This year’s edition raises the stakes with the return of the EAFC 25™ National Football Tournament and the debut of the MTN Beat Saber Challenge – two national titles, one massive celebration of gaming culture.

Over five months, eight Hyprop shopping centres will play host to a mix of online qualifiers and live in-mall events, creating a national stage where gamers of all levels can test their skills, win prizes and join a fast-growing community of South African players. The top contenders will face off in the National Finals at Canal Walk from 17 to 21 September, with R50 000 on the line in the EAFC 25™ Football Final and more prizes up for grabs in the Beat Saber showdown.

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Tournament Dates and Venues:

• Rosebank Mall

Online Qualifier: 18 May | In-Centre Event: 23–25 May

• Somerset Mall

Online Qualifier: 25 May | In-Centre Event: 30 May–1 June

• Woodlands

Online Qualifier: 7 June | In-Centre Event: 13–16 June

• The Glen

Online Qualifier: 22 June | In-Centre Event: 27–29 June

• Table Bay Mall

Online Qualifier: 13 July | In-Centre Event: 18–20 July

• Clearwater Mall

Online Qualifier: 3 August | In-Centre Event: 8–10 August

• Capegate Mall

Online Qualifier: 31 August | In-Centre Event: 5–7 September

• Canal Walk (National Finals & Last Qualifier)

Online Qualifier: 7 September | In-Centre Event: 17–21 September

“The SHIFT Gaming Experience is more than a tournament; it’s where South African gamers show up, show off and celebrate what they love,” says Christie Stanbridge, Brand and Campaigns Marketing Manager at Hyprop. “From football simulations to VR rhythm battles, we’ve created something that speaks to every kind of player. Whether you’re competing or just watching, there’s always something happening.”

The format combines online, and in-person play. Qualify online on the ACGL platform, then take on your opponents in-centre across malls in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Pretoria. Each in-mall weekend features the EAFC 25™ tournament, daily Fighting Cups, a PC Gaming Zone powered by PCBuilder, Carry1st COD Mobile and the popular SuperSprint lap challenge presented by the Toyota Gaming Engine.

Gamers can also go head-to-head in Tekken, Street Fighter 6, Brawlhalla, Rocket League, Minecraft and Call of Duty: Mobile, with dozens of R1 000+ gift card prizes on offer each weekend. The Beat Saber Challenge, hosted by MTN and playable both in-mall and on MTN’s Battle+ platform, brings a high-energy VR experience into the mix. Players with the highest Beat Saber scores at each mall qualify for the National Final – and anyone who tries it stands a chance to win a gaming PC worth R50 000.

“We’re creating spaces where South Africans can compete, connect and get rewarded for their passion,” says Jason Probert, General Manager: Digital Services at MTN South Africa. “Whether it’s with Beat Saber or Battle+, we want our community to know that gaming lives here.”

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The SHIFT Gaming Experience also makes space for younger players. Friday events feature tournaments designed for schools and under-18 gamers, offering dedicated Minecraft build challenges, EAFC 25™ scholars only tournament and Rocket League face-offs – all with real prizes.

The Association of Gaming Operators in Kenya (AGOK) in partnership with government agencies, regulators and civil society are spearheading a set of proactive initiatives designed to shape the future of the gaming industry and protect innocent Kenyans from addiction to gaming.

In a press release, the Association says nationwide awareness campaigns promoting informed, mindful participation in gaming will be carried out across the country.

Advocacy for tools such as time-out mechanisms, betting and deposit limits will be put in place to ensure a healthy and controlled gaming behaviour among Kenyans.

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“The gaming industry in Kenya continues to evolve rapidly, creating opportunities for economic growth, digital innovation, and employment. However, with this growth comes a heightened responsibility to safeguard the welfare of players, particularly young people and vulnerable populations,” the statement by AGOK’s board reads in part.

“AGOK acknowledges the complex challenges associated with gaming, particularly around mental health, addiction prevention, and ethical standards. These are global concerns which members of AGOK take seriously. They are at the forefront of our agenda.”

The Association furthers contends that all its members operate under a “shared code of conduct” rooted in principles of fairness, transparency and social responsibility.

Among meaningful steps it says it has taken to prevent exploitation and minimise harm include putting into place advanced age-verification systems to block underage access, self exclusion tools that provide options for and permanent restrictions to gaming activities and round-the clock toll free helplines that offer confidential mental health and addiction support.

The regulatory measures comes amid calls to regulate the sector following increase in cases of mental health and some suicide cases attributed to betting.

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