The 16-year partnership between the South African Football Association (Safa) and Sasol has regrettably reached its conclusion. This follows an announcement from the petroleum company, a prominent sponsor of women’s football — including the senior team, Banyana Banyana.
Sasol revealed via a statement the immediate termination of their sponsorship agreement with the national association.
The cessation of this partnership is a particularly bitter pill for the beleaguered Safa to swallow, especially as it transpired less than a week before Banyana embark on their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) campaign in Morocco, where they are slated to compete in Group C against Ghana, Mali, and Tanzania.
Under the guidance of coach Desiree Ellis, the team is set to commence their Wafcon journey against Ghana on July 7, and it remains to be seen how they will respond in the wake of this disheartening news. This announcement comes on the heels of Banyana’s recent threats to boycott the tournament due to outstanding payments for three prior international friendly matches.
In response to the players’ concerns, Safa CEO, Lydia Monyepao, noted that the issue stemmed from an oversight on their part, stating: “The disagreement arose concerning the payment dates. However, we have since rectified the matter regarding bonuses. We recognize our commitment to the players, and for friendly matches, we typically provide 30 days’ notice,” she explained.
Sasol’s statement reads: “Sasol can confirm that our sponsorship agreement with Safa, which encompassed support for the senior women’s team, Banyana Banyana, as well as the Sasol League, officially concluded on June 30, 2025.
“We take pride in our 16-year partnership with Safa and the substantial contributions we have made to enhance the growth and visibility of women’s football in South Africa. Through this collaboration, we have facilitated pathways for aspiring female footballers from grassroots levels to the international arena.
“We await feedback from Safa regarding the terms of a potential renewal. Until an agreement is finalised, Sasol no longer possesses the rights to associate with Banyana Banyana and the Sasol League. Sasol continues to recognise the significant role that women’s sport plays in fostering empowerment and inclusion in South Africa.”
This is not the first instance in which Safa has found itself in a similar predicament with Sasol, as the company had previously sponsored the SA Under-23 side in the late 1990s until the mid-2000s.
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