By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The South African Football Association (Safa) has announced German sportwear giant adidas as official technical sponsor for all national teams.
The partnership comes after SAFA confirmed Le Coq Sportif’s contract expires on the 31st of December this year. Adidas were SAFA kit sponsors from 1998 until 2011.
“This partnership is more than a sponsorship – it’s a return to shared values of pride, resilience, and performance,” said SAFA Chief Executive Officer 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 being supported by a brand that invests in innovation, performance and style to meet the needs of a modern sports organisation like us.
Football has the power to change lives whilst uniting and inspiring,” Adidas South Africa Senior Brand Director Tom Brown said.
“Adidas has a proud and rich football heritage, pioneering products for the best teams and athletes around the world. We’re 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.”
Meanwhile Bafana Bafana moved up one spot in the FIFA world rankings to the 55th position and ninth on the continent.