SAFA And Sasol Renew Landmark Partnership
Following months of uncertainty, the South African Football Association (SAFA) and Sasol have reached an agreement to renew their long-standing partnership, securing the future of women’s football development in South Africa.
The partnership had come to an end earlier this year, amid speculation that Sasol was dissatisfied with certain guarantees following the expiry of the previous deal.
Sasol has been the driving force behind women’s football in South Africa for nearly 16 years, playing a pivotal role in establishing the Sasol Women’s League and supporting the rise of Banyana Banyana, who crowned the partnership’s success by winning the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
“The South African Football Association (SAFA) and Sasol have renewed one of South Africa’s most iconic and longstanding sponsorships for a further four-year period, extending the partnership until 2029,” SAFA said in a statement.
“This announcement brings welcome clarity and reaffirms Sasol’s continued commitment as the longest-standing sponsor of women’s football in South Africa, with a partnership spanning over 16 years.
“Throughout the renewal discussions, SAFA and Sasol focused on a shared goal: to continue empowering the South African senior women’s national team, Banyana Banyana, to do what they do best — represent the nation with pride, purpose, and excellence.”
The previous sponsorship cycle concluded on 30 June 2025, and while renewal negotiations took longer than expected, both parties used the time to align their long-term objectives — ultimately strengthening a partnership that continues to create opportunities for women footballers nationwide.
SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao expressed her delight at the renewal, saying:
“We are thrilled with Sasol’s renewal of the Banyana Banyana partnership, ensuring the continued growth of women’s football until 2029. Sasol Banyana Banyana® will continue to carry the Sasol logo on training and travel uniforms as they prepare for the 2026 WAFCON in Morocco and the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.”
Monyepao added that the renewal also sends a positive message to corporate South Africa:
“This partnership reflects the confidence that brands have in SAFA’s properties when seeking to connect with fans and consumers. Football remains the country’s biggest sport and one of the most gender-balanced, with strong support for both men’s and women’s teams.”
Sasol Senior Vice President for Group Communication and Brand Management, Alex Anderson, said the company was proud to continue investing in women’s sport:
“As a proudly South African company, we are honoured to continue this impactful partnership — one that has consistently elevated women’s football and empowered athletes to pursue their dreams on the world’s biggest stages.
“Our long-term vision is to keep championing the advancement of women, with football serving as a powerful platform for empowerment, visibility, and lasting impact.”
Since partnering with Banyana Banyana in 2009, Sasol has supported the team through a golden era of achievements, including multiple COSAFA Cup titles, qualification for two Olympic Games, a first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance in 2019, a historic knockout stage run in 2023, and the 2022 WAFCON championship — cementing Banyana Banyana’s place in South Africa’s sporting history.
