The Immortals
A club less than a year old. A crest built on rebirth. A first season that ended with a national title.
From new club to national champions
Hope FC's story starts with a bold decision rather than a long history. Ahead of the 2025/26 season, the club acquired the league status of Sea Point Swifts and entered the ABC Motsepe League, the third tier of South African football, as complete newcomers.
Eight months later, those newcomers were the best team in the country at their level. Hope FC won the Western Cape ABC Motsepe League at the first attempt, then travelled to Mthatha for the national play-offs and beat the North West University Soccer Institute 5-3 on penalties in the final to be crowned national champions. The reward was promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship, the professional second tier of South African football, along with prize money of R1.25 million.
Few clubs anywhere have packed so much into a first season. It happened because Hope FC was built from day one to compete, with serious football people in the boardroom and a squad assembled to win.
Why The Immortals
At the centre of the Hope FC crest is a phoenix with its wings spread wide, a symbol of rebirth and rising. It suits a club that did not inherit a name or a history but created both in a single season, and it gave the team its nickname: The Immortals.
That identity is backed by genuine pedigree. Chairman and CEO Keagan Buchanan played for Kaizer Chiefs, and the technical team and squad include former players from Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, SuperSport United and Cape Town City. Hope FC was built to be taken seriously, and in year one it was.
More Than Football
Ambition
Hope FC was never created to make up the numbers. From the boardroom to the technical bench, the project was assembled to challenge for silverware immediately. It delivered.
Community
Rooted in Belhar and based at Erica Park, the club exists to give its community a team to rally behind and a pathway into the game.
Development
A dedicated youth department, led by former Chippa United defender Roscoe Pietersen, is building the pipeline that will carry the club far beyond its first promotion.
Belonging
From the supporters lining the fences at Erica Park to the flags flying in Mthatha, Hope FC's rise has been carried by people who made the club their own.
The First Season
Hope FC is born
The club acquires the league status of Sea Point Swifts and enters the 2025/26 ABC Motsepe League season under a new name and a new crest.
A statement win
Hope FC score eight against Junction Rovers, winning 8-1 and serving early notice of their title credentials.
Closing out the season
Victories over Ubuntu FC, Cape Town Spurs and FN Rangers, along with a battling draw against CR Vasco Da Gama, secure top spot in the Western Cape.
Provincial champions
A 1-0 win over Diadora FC at William Herbert Sports Ground in Wynberg seals the Western Cape title in the club's first season.
National champions and promotion
Hope FC beat the North West University Soccer Institute 5-3 on penalties in Mthatha to win the national title, earning promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship and R1.25 million in prize money.
Preparing for professional football
Mark Kapman is appointed head coach, and experienced wingers Lyle Lakay and Brandon Theron join the squad ahead of the club's first professional season.
Erica Park, Belhar
Every home fixture of the title-winning season was played at Erica Park in Belhar, the training and match-day base that keeps Hope FC anchored in the community it represents. It is a modest home for a club with big ambitions, and that is exactly the point.