adminCAPE TOWN – The South African Football Association (Safa) has been dealt a blow with news that leading financial institution, Absa, will not renew its sponsorship with the football mother body at the expiry of the current deal later this year. According to the Soccer-Laduma website, Absa have been sponsors of Bafana Bafana for a number of years. The current deal between Absa and Safa runs until December this year.
The news of the expiry of the contract comes shortly after the appointment of Danny Jordaan as the FA’s new president.
Absa said in a statement, “Absa confirms it will conclude its sponsorship of the South Africa national soccer team, better known as Bafana Bafana, when the current agreement with the South African Football Association (Safa) expires at the end of 2013.
“This follows a review of Absa’s business and brand objectives.”
Barclays Africa Group Executive, Bobby Malabie, said, “Since our involvement with Bafana Bafana started in 2007, we have seen the game extend across racial and cultural barriers and we have engaged the passion of thousands of soccer fans across the country.
“Being an integral part of the successful 2010 Fifa World Cup journey was a proud occasion for us and for all South Africans.
“This has been a fruitful partnership for us and we look forward to remaining involved in the development and welfare of soccer in South Africa.
“We thank Safa for the opportunity and wish them and the Bafana Bafana team well in all future activities.”-Sport24.
Online Reporter
derick.khumalo