Things are slowly but surely falling into place for the South African Football Association (SAFA), as they announced Adidas as their new kit sponsor on a three-year deal on Friday.
The timing of the new sponsorship announcement could not have been any perfect, as it comes right at the back of Bafana Bafana’s historic 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification feat, when they beat Rwanda 3-0 in their final Group C match at the Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday.
With Bafana’s qualification for the World Cup in the Americas next year, Banyana Banyana’s continued rise in women’s football, and the junior national teams also cementing their place in world football, the return of Adidas as a technical sponsor could not have come at a better time.
“This partnership is more than a sponsorship – it’s a return to shared values of pride, resilience, and performance,” said SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao.
“Adidas has long been part of our football story, and together we’ll inspire South Africans everywhere to believe that they’ve got what it takes.
“This return also marks the strengthening of our standing among the global football nations community as we compete at FIFA and CAF tournaments regularly and are supported by a brand that invests in innovation, performance, and style to meet the needs of a modern sports organisation like us.”
Senior brand director at Adidas South Africa, Tom Brown, expressed how delighted they are to be associated with the SA national teams, especially during their trajectory.
“Football has the power to change lives whilst uniting and inspiring. Adidas has a proud and rich football heritage, pioneering products for the best teams and athletes around the world,” Brown said
“We are proud to again stand alongside Bafana Bafana, Banyana Banyana, and other SAFA teams as they represent the spirit of South Africa on the international stage,” he added.
Bafana will don the Le Coq Sportif kit for the last time at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, as their five-year partnership will officially end in December.
