By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Retail giant Spar has renewed their sponsorship of Netball in South Africa until 2027, which makes it the longest team title sponsorship in the country.
SPAR first became involved with netball in 2000 and its commitment to the biggest women’s sport in South Africa has been unwavering ever since.
In terms of the new sponsorship deal, SPAR’s title sponsorship includes the national team, the SPAR Proteas; the Under-21 team, the SPAR Baby Proteas; the national senior and Under-21 Championships and a home test series and one or more international teams in the form of the SPAR Netball Challenge. In addition, SPAR will be an associate sponsor of the national Fast Five Senior team, the Telkom Netball League and the men’s national championships.
Making the announcement, SPAR Group Marketing Director Keegan Alicks said sport provided an exciting platform for brand-building and women’s sport in particular presented an excellent channel.
“The huge majority of our customers are women, and we believe we have a duty to support them in return,” said Alicks.
“Netball is the most popular sport among women, who are important role players in South Africa.
“SPAR was honoured to be part of netball and sporting history last year when we partnered with Telkom and other netball sponsors to support Netball South Africa (NSA) and World Netball in staging the first African Netball World Cup in Cape Town,” said Alicks.
He said SPAR was very serious about the partnership and believed that it had formed a sound and solid working relationship with NSA.
“We believe our future can only grow from strength to strength. We are the longest-standing sponsor of netball, and our sponsorship of the SPAR Proteas remains one of the longest headline sponsorship agreements with a national team,” said Alicks.
NSA President Cecilia Molokwane was thrilled to announce the extension of the partnership with SPAR.
“Over years, SPAR has been a pillar of support, providing commitment and resources that have been instrumental in our success, “she said.
“Their genuine passion for women’s sports and their dedicated efforts to empower our players resonate deeply with our values and mission.
“SPAR is more than a sponsor: it epitomizes woman empowerment,” she continued.
“Their support for women’s sports, particularly netball, has been a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless young girls and women.
“By investing in women’s empowerment, SPAR is shaping a brighter future for our nation and leaving a legacy,” said Molokwane.
Meanwhile Netball South Africa has announced Khanyisa Chawane as the newly appointed Spar Proteas Captain and Karla Pretorius as the vice captain.